Group Processes And The Stages Of Formation

16group Processes And The Stages Of Formationnatalie Poolewalden Unive

Group process refers to how individuals and members work unitedly to achieve a common goal. Groups are at the core of human experiences and understanding group processes and stage formation is essential for PMHNPs. The study of group processes encompasses cognitive and social causes and their effects on individuals within a group, usually between three and twelve members. Key elements include group norms, roles, status, identity, and social interaction, influenced further by trust, feedback, conflict, and resolution. The stages of group formation include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.

In the reviewed video “Group Therapy: A live demonstration,” the group consists of individuals struggling with social challenges seeking treatment. The group's objective is cohesion around shared social challenges to enhance adaptive functioning. The storming stage is characterized by conflicts over roles and authority, with individuals vying for status and control. Communication challenges, testing leadership, and conflicts between members are evident, in line with Tuckman's model of group development.

The current stage appears to be storming, indicated by unresolved objectives, differences surfacing, and power conflicts, such as conflicts involving Pam and Phillip. Gill, another member, avoids disclosure, shifting focus onto others or the therapist, which reflects typical storming conflict. Managing this intra-group conflict effectively is crucial to foster cohesion and move toward norming, where conflict is addressed, norms are established, and harmony develops. Despite conflicts, all members agree to stay and work towards shared goals, demonstrating commitment to group process and progress.

Curative factors that influence healing include hope, universality, imparting information, and altruism. Hope is reinforced as members express willingness to stay and resolve challenges collectively. Support from shared experiences enhances social learning and normalizes individual difficulties. Therapeutic facilitation accelerates positive outcomes by guiding resolution and fostering a solution-focused atmosphere.

Intra-group conflicts, such as Pam's disapproval of Phillip’s inclusion, threaten cohesion but also serve as opportunities for growth if managed well. Pam's verbal disdain leads to polarization, raising questions of value and inclusion within the group. Such conflicts echo long-standing negative relationships that may be difficult to resolve but are natural in group dynamic evolution. Effective conflict management strategies include identifying sources, perspective-taking, re-categorization, establishing common goals, and fostering interdependence.

Therapists play a vital role in guiding conflict resolution through active listening, openness, and fostering compromises. Not all conflicts are detrimental; many serve as catalysts for development. Resolving intra-group conflicts allows the group to progress to therapeutic relationships and ensures individual growth. The therapist’s role is pivotal in maintaining a supportive environment and steering the group toward productive outcomes.

In conclusion, understanding group stages, processes, and conflict management strategies is essential for PMHNPs to facilitate effective group therapy. Properly navigating conflicts and fostering group cohesion enhances therapeutic outcomes and supports personal development within the group setting.

References

• Allen, K., & Spitzer, W. (2015). Social Work Practice in Healthcare: Advanced approaches and emerging trends. SAGE Publications.
• Castellan, N. J. (2013). Individual and group decision making: Current issues. Psychology Press.
• Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2011). Group Therapy: A live demonstration. [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author.
• Stangor, C. (2017). Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology. Retrieved from.
• Tuckman, B. (2010). Forming, Storming, Norming, & Performing Team Development Model. Retrieved from.
• Yalom, I. D., & Leszneweski, H. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Basic Books.
• Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2013). Joining together: Group theory and group skills. Pearson.
• Corey, G. (2016). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning.
• McLeod, J. (2014). An introduction to counseling. Open University Press.
• Forsyth, D. R. (2010). Group dynamics. Wadsworth Publishing.