Social Work Group Work Exam 1 Prep

Group dynamics (Definition)

Forces and processes influencing how groups function and members interact.

Domain 1: Characteristics of Group Dynamics (Part of 7 C's)

Communication processes and interaction patterns.

Focus of communication processes

How members exchange verbal and nonverbal information.

Patterns of participation

Who talks most, who stays silent, and who influences discussion.

Communication process elements

Feedback, listening, and conflict management.

Key question of communication processes

How are members communicating?

Domain 2: Collaborations

of Group Dynamics (Part of 7 C's)

Interpersonal attraction and cohesion.

Cohesion (Definition)

The bond that keeps members connected.

How attraction develops

Through shared experiences, similar goals, trust, and mutual support.

Results of high cohesion

Better attendance, greater participation, increased trust, and stronger outcomes.

Key question of interpersonal attraction and cohesion

How connected do members feel?

Domain 3: Crucibles of Group Dynamics (Part of 7 C's)

Social integration and influence.

Focus of social integration and influence

How well members become part of the group and how group norms affect behavior.

Social integration and influence elements

Conformity and peer influence.

Examples of social integration and influence

Members adopting group norms and encouraging accountability.

Key question of social integration and influence

How does the group affect individual behavior?

Domain 4: Competencies of Group Dynamics (Part of 7 C's)

Power and control.

Formal power in groups

Leader or facilitator authority.

Informal power in groups

Charismatic and experienced members.

Leader tasks in power and control

Balance participation, prevent domination, and empower quieter members.

Key question of power and control

Who holds power and how is it used?

Domain 5: Conditions of Group Dynamics (Part of 7 C's)

Group culture.

Group culture (Definition)

Shared values, beliefs, norms, rituals, and expectations that develop over time.

Examples of group culture

Respectful communication, confidentiality, and mutual support.

Key question of group culture

What kind of environment has the group created?

Ecological/Systems Perspective main idea

Groups exist within larger systems and environments.

Two elements social workers must understand in Ecological/Systems Perspective

Group structure and group culture.

Relationship between group structure and group culture

They influence one another but change at different rates.

First C of the Seven C's

Characteristics

What entities have Characteristics in the Seven C's?

Members, leaders, and the group itself.

Examples of Characteristics in the Seven C's

Age, diversity, group size, and needs of members.

Collaborations (Definition)

Relationships between group members, organizations, and community resources.

Focus of Collaborations

Teamwork and partnerships.

Crucibles (Definition)

Challenges or critical events that shape the group.

Examples of crucibles

Conflict, crises, and difficult transitions.

Outcome of crucibles

These moments often produce growth.

Competencies (Definition)

Skills and abilities of group members and group leaders.

Examples of Competencies

Communication, problem-solving, leadership, and coping skills.

Conditions (Definition)

Environmental factors affecting the group.

Examples of Conditions

Resources, funding, meeting space, and accessibility.

Nature of groups as systems

Groups are dynamic systems.

Three levels of change social workers must understand

Individual change, group change, and organizational change.

Context (Definition)

The broader environment.

Elements included in Context

Culture, politics, economics, social justice issues, and community influences.

Formal aspects of group structure

Rules, roles, membership, and leadership.

Informal aspects of group culture

Norms, values, and expectations.

NASW Core Value: Service

Help people in need, address social problems, and place client needs first.

NASW Core Value: Social Justice

Challenge oppression, promote equity, and advocate for vulnerable populations.

NASW Core Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person

Respect every individual, support self-determination, and recognize inherent value.

NASW Core Value: Importance of Human Relationships

Understand relationships as vehicles for change and foster supportive connections.

NASW Core Value: Integrity

Behave honestly and ethically, and maintain professional boundaries.

NASW Core Value: Competence

Practice within areas of expertise and continue professional development.

Confidentiality in group work

Cannot be guaranteed because members may share information outside the group.

Informed Consent in group work

Members must understand purpose, risks and benefits, expectations, and confidentiality limits.

Diversity and Inclusion in group work

Respect differences and address oppression and discrimination.

Dual Relationships in group work

Avoid relationships that impair professional judgment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Group Work (CBGW) (Definition)

A method combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group work strategies.

Role of the group in CBGW

The group becomes an active part of treatment.

Core Assumption of CBT / CBGW

Thoughts → Feelings → Behaviors

Impact of changing thoughts

Changing thoughts can change emotions and behaviors.

Characteristics of CBGW

Structured, planned sessions, specific goals, homework assignments.

Present-Focused in CBGW

Focuses on current problems rather than extensive exploration of the past.

Goal-Oriented in CBGW

Emphasizes measurable outcomes.

Evidence-Based in CBGW

Supported by research.

Cognitive Restructuring (Definition)

Identifying and challenging irrational thoughts.

Example of Cognitive Restructuring

Challenging "I always fail" with "I have succeeded before."

Behavioral Rehearsal (Definition)

Practicing new behaviors, such as role-playing difficult conversations.

Homework Assignments

Members practice skills between meetings.

Problem-Solving Training

Teaches systematic approaches to solving problems.

Social Skills Training (Definition)

An intervention designed to improve communication, assertiveness, and relationship skills.

Three areas improved by Social Skills Training

Communication, assertiveness, and relationship skills.

Benefit of CBGW group format: Learning

Members learn from one another.

Benefit of CBGW group format: Skills

Members practice skills.

Benefit of CBGW group format: Feedback

Members receive feedback.

Benefit of CBGW group format: Support

Members provide support.

Support Groups (Definition)

Groups usually facilitated by professionals focusing on emotional support and education.

Facilitators of support groups

Usually professionals.

Focus of support groups

Emotional support and education.

Examples of support groups

Cancer support groups and bereavement groups.

Self-Help Groups (Definition)

Groups led by peers where members share a common experience with little professional leadership.

Leadership in self-help groups

Led by peers with little or no professional leadership.

Membership of self-help groups

Individuals who share a common experience.

Examples of self-help groups

Alcoholics Anonymous and peer recovery groups.

Benefit of groups: Hope

Provides optimism and expectation of positive change.

Benefit of groups: Belonging

Provides a sense of acceptance and connection to others.

Benefit of groups: Emotional support

Provides comfort, empathy, and validation from peers.

Benefit of groups: Practical coping strategies

Provides actionable plans and skills to manage challenges.

Benefit of groups: Reduced isolation

Provides the realization that one is not alone in their experience.

Common issue addressed: Addiction

A chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry.

Common issue addressed: Mental illness

Health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior.

Common issue addressed: Grief

The natural reaction to loss, encompassing emotional, physical, and social responses.

Common issue addressed: Chronic illness

A long-lasting health condition that can be managed but not fully cured.

Common issue addressed: Cancer

A disease characterized by the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells.

Social worker professional role: Refer clients

Directing clients to external resources, services, or specialists.

Social worker professional role: Consult with groups

Offering professional advice, feedback, or expertise to groups.

Social worker professional role: Help establish groups

Assisting in the creation, planning, and formation of new groups.

Social worker professional role: Collaborate with peer leaders

Partnering with non-professional or peer facilitators to support group success.

Growing importance in online groups: Virtual meetings

Increased utilization of video conferencing platforms for group sessions.

Growing importance in online groups: Online support communities

Digital spaces where individuals connect for mutual aid and discussion.

Challenge of online groups: Privacy

Protecting user data and personal information online.