Next up on our ASWB exam content outline deep dive: Theories of group development and functioning. This isn't vital, sure-to-be-on-the-test material. Don't take time and energy cramming it into your brain. Instead, look it over, and in the off chance that a question about group theory comes up on the exam, trust that the info will have soaked in just enough to help you answer correctly.
There are many theories that aim to describe how groups form, evolve, and achieve their objectives. Here are some of the most influential:
understanding group theories is crucial for effectively facilitating therapeutic groups. Here are the top five group theories commonly used in psychotherapy:
Yalom’s Therapeutic Factors
Irvin Yalom identified several key therapeutic factors that contribute to the success of group therapy:
- Instillation of Hope: Seeing others improve provides hope.
- Universality: Realizing that others have similar experiences.
- Imparting Information: Learning from others and the therapist.
- Altruism: Gaining a sense of value from helping others.
- Corrective Recapitulation of the Primary Family Group: Re-experiencing family dynamics in a healthier way.
- Development of Socializing Techniques: Improving social skills.
- Imitative Behavior: Learning by observing others.
- Interpersonal Learning: Gaining insights about oneself from interactions.
- Group Cohesiveness: Feeling a sense of belonging.
- Catharsis: Releasing pent-up emotions.
- Existential Factors: Confronting existential issues like mortality and freedom.
Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development
Bruce Tuckman's model is widely used to understand group dynamics and includes five stages:
- Forming: Group members get to know each other and establish ground rules.
- Storming: Members experience conflicts as they assert their opinions.
- Norming: The group establishes norms and cohesive relationships.
- Performing: The group works effectively towards therapeutic goals.
- Adjourning: The group disbands, reflecting on their progress and achievements.
Bion’s Basic Assumption Groups
Wilfred Bion proposed that groups operate on two levels: the work group (focused on tasks) and the basic assumption group (focused on underlying emotional needs). He identified three basic assumptions:
- Dependency: Members look to the leader for guidance and support.
- Fight-Flight: Members either confront or avoid issues within the group.
- Pairing: Members form subgroups to deal with anxiety and uncertainty.
Corey’s Group Process Model
Gerald Corey outlined a comprehensive approach to group therapy that includes several stages:
- Formation: Planning and setting up the group.
- Initial Stage: Building trust and setting norms.
- Transition Stage: Managing resistance and conflict.
- Working Stage: Deepening the therapeutic work and cohesion.
- Final Stage: Preparing for termination and reflecting on progress.
Systems Theory
In psychotherapy groups, systems theory views the group as a complex system where changes in one part affect the whole. Key principles include:
- Holism: The group is seen as more than the sum of its parts.
- Interdependence: Members are interconnected, and their behaviors affect each other.
- Boundaries: Understanding the boundaries of the group and how they interact with external systems.
- Feedback Loops: Recognizing positive and negative feedback loops that influence group dynamics.
Additional, lesser-known theories:
Gersick's Punctuated Equilibrium Model
Connie Gersick's model suggests that groups do not progress linearly through stages but instead undergo periods of stability interrupted by significant changes:
- Phase 1: Initial group formation and setting of norms, with little progress towards goals.
- Midpoint Transition: A critical point where the group realizes the need for change and re-evaluates its approach. This leads to a burst of activity and progress.
- Phase 2: Implementation of new strategies and accelerated progress towards goals.
Wheelan's Integrated Model of Group Development
Susan Wheelan's model integrates various elements from other theories and suggests that groups evolve through four stages:
- Dependency and Inclusion: Members rely on the leader and seek acceptance.
- Counter-Dependency and Fight: Conflicts arise as members assert independence and challenge the leader.
- Trust and Structure: The group develops trust, clarifies roles, and establishes a structured approach to work.
- Work and Productivity: The group functions effectively and efficiently towards its objectives.
Garland, Jones, and Kolodny Model
This model outlines stages of group development tailored to social work groups:
- Pre-affiliation: Members are cautious and testing the waters. Trust and a sense of belonging are being established.
- Power and Control: Members vie for positions and control within the group, leading to conflicts and struggles for dominance.
- Intimacy: The group becomes more cohesive, with members sharing more personal information and developing deeper relationships.
- Differentiation: Members recognize and accept individual differences, leading to greater group cohesion and functioning.
- Separation: The group prepares for termination, reflecting on achievements and planning for life after the group.
Application in Social Work
These theories and models help social workers to:
- Facilitate Effective Groups: Apply appropriate strategies to guide groups through different stages.
- Address Specific Needs: Tailor interventions to the unique needs of group members.
- Promote Empowerment: Encourage mutual aid, collaboration, and empowerment within groups.
- Evaluate Group Progress: Continuously assess and adjust group processes to achieve desired outcomes.
Understanding and applying these social work-specific theories can enhance the effectiveness of group interventions and improve outcomes for group members.
On the Exam
ASWB exam questions about group theories may look something like this:
-
A social worker observes that group members are beginning to challenge each other's opinions and the leader's authority. According to Tuckman's model, which stage of group development is the group most likely in?
-
During a therapy group session, members begin to realize that others in the group have faced similar challenges and experiences. According to Yalom’s therapeutic factors, this realization is known as:
-
During the final sessions of a therapy group, members reflect on their progress and prepare for the end of the group. According to Corey’s Group Process Model, this stage is:
That's if you encounter a question on the topic. Better to spend your time and focus on areas of the exam far more likely to appear on the exam. To do that, get started with SWTP's full-length practice tests. You'll be glad you did.
