Group Change Individual and Group

Group Change Individual and Group Change It is very well established that group dynamics can cause changes to individuals, but the mechanisms that explain how this phenomenon occurs are much more complex and under a large amount of debate. Different psychological theories assert different explanations for observed behavior, and it is not clear which if any of these theories has the most comprehensive answer. Psychotherapy and skills training groups allow for all group members to contribute to one another's success, and this chapter seeks to address how that occurs.

Despite the abundant amount of research available on group therapy techniques and theories, there is relatively little information available concerning the actual effects of the group on therapy. Most research has focused on the difference in efficacy of a certain treatment methodology of a certain condition when applied in individual and group contexts. Though this research is useful, it ignores the actual effect of the group itself on therapy, and instead measures the techniques.

A focus on the specific knowledge and skills needed by a group leader to make these specific techniques and group therapy in general work is essential to an accurate understanding of group dynamics. The study of group dynamics emerged as a discipline in the late 1930s, though it was not for several decades that the full power of group therapy in certain circumstances was recognized. Even though these circumstances are now understood, the mechanisms still aren't.

Explanations abound; cognitive therapy suggests reduced isolation and increased feedback is essential, but this cannot be confirmed empirically. One thing a group must have, however, is a purpose. Purpose provides clarity of expectation and a way of evaluating group progress, but this purpose should be established with input from the group members. Clear statements of individuals' goals are also essential, as is maintaining integrity between the stated and intended purpose of the group.

Establishing a consensus on these matters is key to an effective group, and allowing for a change in purpose when necessary is also a contributing factor. The composition of a group's demographics and diagnoses can also influence its efficacy. Heterogeneity can be empowering, making groups more dynamic and more obviously in control of itself (rather than subservient to outside forces). At the same time, there must be some commonality between group members. The roper mixture of difference and sameness is key to effective group functioning.

Different demographic groups also feel differently about the demographics of a group, and racial and gender differences can cause reduced efficacy for some individuals. Group size must also be considered. Group cohesiveness is also another important factor in measuring group efficacy, though some cohesion can be detrimental to the group's purpose. The cohesive elements must support the group's states and intended purpose to be effective. Group development can also be studied; this perspective treats the group as an individual entity that changes over time, hopefully for the better.

This concept is most useful to practitioners as a way of organizing the individual members of the group as far as their goals are concerned, and to draw their attention to the dynamics of the group, especially during times of group change. Though empirical evidence is still difficult to come by when addressing group development, there is a general consensus in the literature regarding certain aspects of development.

Most groups start with a heavy dependence on the leader, which might then be challenges in the next stage of group development through questioning of the group's purpose. Gradually, the group evolves so there is less and less dependence on the leader, and more and more reliance on other group members as the group helps to heal itself. Termination is something that every member of a group faces at one time, for one reason.