OT852 Class 2: Characteristics of Groups, Group Models

Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

What are the stages of group development?

Forming

What stage is described as follows: members need maximum direction and rely heavily on the group leader?

Stormming

Which stage is described as follows: members finding their way in the group, need maximum support to navigate new enviornments?

Norming

What stage is described as follows: members developing their own norms for group behaviour, less reliant on the leader?

Performing

What stage is described as follows: member able to maintain productivity and process with minimal input from the leader

Parallel

This groups purpose is to provides an environment where individuals work or engage in activities independently, but within the same space. Helps participants develop basic social skills and awareness of others in a non-interactive way.

People with limited social skills, such as children or individuals with cognitive impairments or low levels of functioning

Who are typically the participants in parallel groups?

Little interaction between members. Focus on individual tasks.

What are the key features of parallel groups?

Project

This groups purpose is to promote interaction between members in the context of completing a simple task. This allows for some degree of cooperation and sharing of materials.

Individuals who have a slightly higher level of functioning but still need structure and guidance in interactions

Who are typically the participants in project groups?

Members can work together on a short-term, cooperative task. Interaction is facilitated but not required.

What are the key features of project groups?

Ego-Centric Cooperative

This groups purpose is to help individuals develop and express their own needs, while also learning to meet the needs of others in a group context. This type of group encourages more complex interactions and group problem-solving

Individuals who are able to engage in more complex social interactions, such as adolescents or adults with developmental delays or mental health conditions

Who are typically the participants in ego-centric cooperative groups?

Greater emphasis on collaboration, sharing responsibility, and group decision-making. Members are encouraged to develop a sense of group identity and work toward shared goals

What are the key features of ego-centric cooperative groups?

Cooperative

This groups purpose is to help individuals work together in a more mature and reciprocal mnner. The primary goal is for members to develop a sense of mutual respect, empathy, and teamwork while fulfilling individual needs and group goals

Individuals who are capable of more mature social interactions and group participation

Who are typically the participants in cooperative groups?

Members work collaboratively to solve problems and achieve common goals. More autonomy is given to members, and the therapist's role shifts to providing guidance as need

What are the key features of cooperative groups?

Mature

The purpose of this group is to provide a group setting where individuals can engage in fully developed group processes, including self-regulation, group roles, leadership, and collaboration. The focus is on supporting individuals in achieving personal growth and improving group dynamics

Individuals who are fully cabale of complex social interactions and independent functioning

Who are typically the participants in mature groups?

High level of interdependence, with members taking on various roles and leadership responsibilities. Problem-solving, group decision-making, and conflict resolution are integral

What are the key features of mature groups?

Activity, psychodynamic, social systems, growth

What are the four main types of groups?

Activity Group

Small, task-directed groups. Activity is the vehicle of group cohesion. A shared process of doing. Six types in the literaure: evaluation, task oriented, developmental, thematic, topical, instrumental

Psychodynamic Group

Achieve personality changes in members by 'working through' individual conflicts. Example: eating disorder group

Social System Group

Participation in a group experiences guides exploration of group dynamics. Example: sports team work in school settings, families

Growth Group

Personal enhancement through the power of the group. May be peer support or self-help focused. May also include educational components, such as chronic disease group. Example: alcoholics anonymous

Introduction

Step 1 of Cole's 7 steps: warm-up; outline; set the mood; purpose

Activity

Step 2 of Cole's 7 steps: leader skills; adaptation; timing; therapeutic goals; participant capacity

Sharing

Step 3 of Cole's 7 steps: acknowledgment; share experiences

Processing

Step 4 of Cole's 7 steps: feelings; group process; addressing dynamics

Generalizing

Step 5 of Cole's 7 steps: summary; responses; patterns; energy

Application

Step 6 of Cole's 7 steps: using new knowledge/skill; everyday life

Summary

Step 7 of Cole's 7 steps: goals; content; process