Phases of Group Development
1- origin phase 2- orientation phase 3- intermediate phase 4- conflict phase 5- cohesion phase 6- maturation phase 7- termination phase
Origin phase
members. ..
- learn what the group is about
- make preliminary commitment to group
- develop initial connections with other members
Intermediate phase
members develop interpersonal bonds, group norms and specialized member roles through involvement in goal directed activities and clarification of group purpose
Conflict phase
- members challenge group structure, purpose, and processes
- characterized by dissension and disagreement
- group progression to next phase requires successful resolution at this phase
Cohesion phase
- members regroup with a clearer sense of purpose and reaffirmation of group norms and values
- increased group stability
Maturation phase
members use energy and skills to be productive and to achieve group goals
Termination phase
dissolution of the group due to
- lack of engagement of members
- inability to solve group problems
- administrative constraints
- goal attainment or task accomplishment
Group Roles:
Instrumental roles
- functional
-help the group select, plan and complete tasks
ex- initiator, organizer
Group Roles:
Expressive roles
- functional
- support and maintain the overall group and to meet members’ needs
- ex- encourager, compromiser
Group Roles:
Individual roles
- dysfunctional/ contrary to group roles
- serve an individual purpose
- interfere with successful group functioning
- ex- aggressor, blocker
Therapeutic Group Norms
1- encourage self reflection, self disclosure, and interaction among members
2- reinforce the value and importance of the grp- be on time and well prepared
3- establish an atmosphere of support and safety
4- maintain confidentiality and respect
5- group leader is not in the expert role- group members are effective agents of change
Group Goals
- not a compilation of member goals
- members have diverse goals- the group goal facilitates personal goal achievement
Group Leadership:
Directive leadership
OT is responsible for planning and structuring of much of what takes place in the group
- leader selects activities
- clear verbal and demonstrated instruction to complete tasks
- group maintenance roles and feedback mainly provided by directive leader
- needed when members’ cognitive, social and verbal skills, as well as engagement are limited (PARALLEL OR PROJECT LEVEL GROUPS)
Group Leadership:
Facilitative leadership
OT shares responsibility for the group and group process with members
- collaborate with members to select activities
- members and leaders share instruction throughout the group’s process
- leader’s goal is to have members acquire skills through experience
- members’ skills levels and engagement are moderate (EGO-CENTRIC COOPERATIVE or COOPERATIVE GROUPS)
Group Leadership:
Advisory Leadership
OT functions as resource to members who set the agenda and structure the group’s functioning
- members select and complete the group’s activity with leader advice as needed
- group maintenance roles are independently assumed by members
- feedback is natural part of group self-directed process
- leader’s goal is to have member’s understand and self-direct the process
- members’ skills and engagement are high (MATURE GROUPS)
Co-leadership advantages
- each leader can assume different roles, tasks and styles
- both leaders can provide and obtain mutual support
- observations and objectivity can increase
- can share knowledge and skills
- can model effective behaviors
Co-leadership disadvantages
- splitting by group members of one leader against the other
- excessive competition
- unequal responsibilities
Curative factors of groups (Yalom)
- altruism
- catharsis
- universality (one’s problems are not unique)
- existential factors (accepting the fact that the responsibility for chg comes from within)
- self-understanding
- family reenactment (understanding what it was like to grow up in one’s family through the group experience)
- guidance (accepting advice from other members)
- identification (imitating positive behaviors or other members)
- installation of hope
- interpersonal learning (receiving feedback & relating to other members)
Parallel Group
Purpose/focus
- to enable members to perform individual tasks in the presence of others
- to minimally verbally/non-verbally interact with others
- develop basic level of awareness, trust and comfort with others in group
Role of OT
- provide unconditional, positive regard to develop trust
- actively fill all leadership functions to meet member needs
- reinforce ALL behaviors appropriate to group
- provide structure
-facilitate interaction
Suitable activities:
- activities are independent of others but in presence of others
- interaction not required to complete activity
- activities should be similar or utilize common tools to facilitate interaction and sharing
- relevant to ability, age, gender and interest
