Wayne State University Group #1: Brian Allen, Keaton Bumgardner , Deidre Crosby-Davis, Bryan Day, Michelle Hill and Heather Warczinsky
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This paper analyzes the treatment group development process from the beginning phase until the ending phase. The analysis consists of the assessment process, group dynamics that were evident in the sessions, impressions of the group from the group leaders perspective, plan of action, and the ending phase. Assessment What is the significance of this session to the groups development as a whole and to the members? According to Toseland and Rivas, Most writers suggest that the beginning stages of groups are concerned with planning, organizing, and convening. To begin, groups are characterized by an emergence of group feelings. However, the feelings of the group often do not emerge without a struggle. (2012, p. 91). As tension and conflict develop because of the diversity of members, Dr. Bruh does a great job by encouraging members to be respectful of one another and aids to resolve conflict by assisting the group with developing norms and mediating differences to find common ground. As the beginning stage progresses and norms and roles are differentiated, members explore and test the roles they are beginning to assume in the group. (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 92). With this, comes conflict. Encountering and dealing with conflict is a normal step in the process of the group development. Dr. Bruhs intervening helped members feel comfortable with one another and helped define the group purpose. Dr. Bruh also aids and directs by stepping in when necessary and letting the group dynamics establish patterns of interaction so that group cohesion and interpersonal relationships may appear. How did the group change as a result of this group session? The cohesion and interpersonal relationships started to appear as each member was receiving negative and positive feedback. This began in episode 5 when Jay received negative GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 3
feedback from Mickey and Mr. Clyde about the difficulty of getting things accomplished with Jay in the room. Afterwards, Jay received positive feedback from Carl when he stated that he is just expressing himself. Dr. Bruh then asks Carl if he has a problem with Jay in order to place emphasis on the positive feedback. Prior to this, feedback between each group member was generally negative. This has allowed the group to start focusing on task accomplishment and positive interactions. How did the group change as a result of this group session? The group began to change because of the communication and feedback from each of the members. This dialogue was able to relate the diverse group members with one another and also assisted in allowing each member identify the importance of reaching their full potential. Was the change a positive one in terms of the groups development? The change is a positive one because at first, each member did not know why he was there and only exhibited negative feedback towards the other members. As the session moved along, the members were able to have positive feedback as their communication flowed and they were able to make connections with each other. As this change takes place, each member is starting to get an idea of why they are there. Group Dynamics Evident in these Sessions During these sessions, each group member brought their outer self to the dynamic system and they all proceed through the system with their social roles. This was a treatment group where each member of the group was dealing with a specific issue in their life. Group dynamic was evident in each session and gradually changed during the middle and ending phases. GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 4
Group Goals and Hidden Agendas An important thing to do as an external leader is to introduce group members to one another in order to form the group. In addition, it is crucial to be sure that each member actively participates while having a feeling of safety and trust with each other and with the facilitator. In order for the group to open up about how they are feeling, the external leader must set ground rules so that there is clarity in what the group is to expect. As an external leader you have to make sure that the question, Why are we here? is asked so that the group members are able to respond appropriately. In order for all of these objectives to be achieved, there must be clear a clear structure outlined and conveyed by the leader. Dr. Bruh set a clear structure in order to allow the group the change to achieve objectives. He welcomed the entire group and explained what was to be expected throughout the duration of the session in addition to stating what they could hopefully obtain from participating in the group. He also had each group member go around the room to introduce themselves and explain Why they were there. This technique allowed each group member break the ice and to begin dialogue from the very beginning. During the introductions Dr. Bruh redirects the group several times by telling them that there are rules and that everyone needs to show respect to one anothe. By doing this, Dr. Bruh aids in being sure that each member feels that they are in a safe environment and that they are valued within the group. Dr. Bruh also lets each group member know that he is listening to every word they say by showing empathetic responding and using nonverbal gestures through eye contact and head nodding. By doing this, Dr. Bruh brings the group together and helps them feel like they can trust him. This also allows the group to eventually start opening up and communicating more freely. At one point, Dr. Bruh told the group to "listen up" because what was being said could be useful to them. By saying this, Dr. GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 5
Bruh focuses on the goal of everyone learning something from one another through active listening. Also, towards the middle and ending phase, the group began to develop a working phase and was able to work out problems without Dr. Bruh intervening and redirecting as he had to do in early phases. Group Norms Group norms consist of a collection of values within the group. This helps to provide the group with the guidelines of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. According to Toseland & Rivas, Norms develop as the group develops (2012, p. 54). In other words, the norms progress directly as members perceive each others behavior in the group and as members express their views and beliefs during the course of group interaction. During the sessions, each group member illustrated a different role and behaved differently. This lead to many disruptions within the group and helped bring different personalities within the group. Dr. Bruh maintained his role as the external leader and was responsible for building a rapport and providing empathetic responses to group members. This helped the group communicate and open up more comfortably with one another while feeling safe and secure within the group. Jay was the deviant member of the group because he was disruptive and had inappropriate comments towards the other group members every time they spoke. Jay consistently made his group members feel uncomfortable as he was in a constant power/control struggle within the group. By doing this, he is distracting from his own issues by keeping the focus away from himself and on his disruptive behavior. Clyde was often defensive because he refused to admit that he had any problems and would not accept responsibility for his part in any problems. Other group members frequently GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 6
attacked and confronted him and would ultimately ignore him. Carl played more of an internal leader because he would easily assume a leadership role during many situations and issues. Carl was able to start a discussion and involve everyone whether they agreed or not. Herb and Mickey assumed the roles of scapegoats during the session because they were both verbally attacked by Jay in many instances, which made them feel uncomfortable and unable to express how they really felt. Herb remained quiet regressed throughout the second phase of the session unless he was directly addressed by Dr. Bruh. Mickey also played the role of being a defensive member because he felt that he didnt have a problem and was in denial on why he was attending the sessions. Towards the middle and ending phases, Dr. Bruh was able to facilitate the group to become more successful and to function more as a group because he was consistent and was able to get the group to trust each other. Dr. Bruh allowed exchanges between members without commenting or intervening and established control of the group. Jay became more monopolizing when he continuously picked up the discussions and would not listen to other people as he cut them off and created a negative reaction within the group. Again, this was a way that Jay would cover up his feelings, avoid the problem, etc. Herb and Mickey were more quiet members as they remained reclusive during discussions in the middle and ending phase. Clyde became more verbal and confrontational with Jay. Carl remains the internal leader in the group became more of a leader in a positive way by sticking up for other members when Jay would say something derogatory. Level of Cohesiveness During the beginning phase, being a new group and meeting each other for the first time lead to a multitude of different personalities in one room. It was not easy to immediately GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 7
develop or establish trust and there was often a struggle of power and control within the group. When introductions took place, the two that made a connection right away were Carl and Jay. Jay and Carl represented a cohesion and unified relationship because during the introduction Jay already knew Carl from when he played in the pros. Jay continued to have an invasive and disruptive behavior towards each group member because he was trying to take the attention off of his own serious issues and instead placed emphasis on his behavior instead. During the middle and ending phase, the group began to come together as one and communicated amongst each other throughout their own problems without having Dr. Bruh stepping in as much. Through this, the group was able to demonstrate mutual aid and group cohesion by working through the group process in order to build trust that could empower them to start displaying signs of a successful group. As group members argue and defend each other, they began to realize they are alike in some ways and share some commonalities. This is a necessary step in building cohesion. A level of trust is starting to be recognized in the group and the group members are starting to demonstrate positive sanctions towards each other. For example, when Carl said, let the man express himself", mutual aid was demonstrated by helping each other and offering suggestions to one another. Another example of this was when Clyde said that Mickey looks like a smart and educated man and that he needs to take control over his house. Clyde became willingly engaged and members came together proving that trust and cohesion was being built and implemented. Group Climate In the beginning phase, the climate was uncomfortable, unsettling, and hostile. Group members were unfamiliar with each other and each of their personalities collided. During the middle and ending phase, members began to accept each other for who they were, as a person. GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 8
Even though there continued to be interruptions and bickering, the amount decreased greatly and active listening was still able to occur. Group Culture Although everyone in the group was the same race, it was still an extremely diverse group. Everyone in the group was raised differently and there were defined differences in socioeconomic class between some members. The diversity really showed through in the way each of the members behaved. Social learning theory can be applied here because it indicates that human behavior is learned as individuals interact with their environment. In other words, individuals behaviors depend on how they were raised and/or what their environment was like growing up. In the beginning phase, the group members were all about themselves and didnt think they had any problems. Each of them had different labels that separated themselves from the others. For instance, Divine played in the NFL, but is now spreading the love of God everywhere he goes. Jay, a.k.a. J-Smooth, claimed that he is a rapper while Mickey identifies himself as a white collar worker, who has a white girlfriend who walks all over him. Clyde is an entrepreneur and a strong black man and Herb is a socialite who is extremely computer savvy and only has friends and girlfriends online. In the middle and ending phase, individual members shifted and became one group that grew together and built different relationships between each other. Dr. Bruh made sure to recognize their feelings and credit them for their work while continuing to maintain their focus and roles within the group. Impressions What do you think and feel about what transpired in the group session? GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 9
When the group first met, there wasnt a lot of interaction occurring. In fact, the only time there was discussion or exchanges is when Dr. Bruh directly addressed the members and asked them a question. Dr. Bruh begins by asking each member to discuss why they are there. Herb, Clyde, Mickey and Carl all say they are unsure while Jay is the only one who admits that he is there for a reason. Although, Jay says that it is his mom who made him come, he still acknowledges and agrees that there are issues at home. It is very apparent right away that Jay is going to be a distraction to the group as he talks out of turn and uses demeaning and rude terminology. The distractions that Jay causes showed a struggle for control and power in the group. During this, Jay kept attention on his behaviors, which resulted in his avoidance of talking and participating in the group. It didnt take long for the group to begin to interact, however the interactions were not always positive. Jay constantly interrupted everyone and was very disrespectful to the other members. He laughed at Herb and Mickey and had a hostile exchange with Clyde. Throughout the first few episodes, there was a lot of tension and the dynamic seemed to be the group versus Jay. This demonstrated group sanctions, which occurs when a group starts to have some cohesion and learn of their commonalities, and in this specific instance, they all have Jays disruptiveness in common. It was difficult for some members to listen to Jay call his mother a hoe and refer to women as bitches. This decreased the level of comfort of other group members as Jay continued to be disrespectful and used degrading comments towards group members each time they spoke. Even with all of the disruptions and hostility, there was progression that evolved within the group. Carl stuck up for Mickey when he was talking about his relationships and when Jay GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 10
attempted to interrupt Mickey, Carl told him to give him some space so that he could talk. Another step toward working as a group was when Jay told Carl about his experience growing up without a father and said that Carl really needed to make an effort to be a father to his eight kids. Instead of being rude to Carl, he spoke from his heart about his own experience and had a breakthrough of open communication. In the last few episodes, the men continued to be more interactive which allowed Dr. Bruhs direction to decrease. During this time, Jay continues to have the most positive interactions with Carl. In addition, Clyde begins participating in conversations without any prompting from Dr. Bruh; another breakthrough for the group and its level of dynamic. This group made a lot of progress and really opened up to sharing their feelings with one another however, they still have a long way to go. Distractions continued to be prevalent and a lot of disrespect between certain members remains. They go back and forth from supporting each other to struggling and fighting for power and control; this shows their growth process. Plan of Action How Do You Plan to Change Your Groups Behavior? Many techniques are available for Dr. Bruh to change the groups behavior. Some of the techniques include facilitating norms, using open and close ended questions, and conflict mediation within the group. In the beginning stage, conflict mediation happens frequently. In one instance, Dr. Bruh mediated a conflict when Mr. Clyde referenced Jay and said that he was tired of hearing black men ask for handouts. Jay asked what Clyde what he knew about being black before Dr. Bruh interferingly raised his hand and asked the group who wanted a hand out. Closed ended questions were used when Dr. Bruh wanted to gain specific information. An example of Dr. Bruh using a closed ended question in the beginning stage, in order to clarify content, was GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 11
when Jay discussed his relationship with women, specifically his mother. Dr. Bruh asked Jay, were you referring to your mother as a hoe? in order to be sure that he was interpreting Jays communication accurately. Open ended questions were used for the purpose of Dr. Bruh being able to gather more information. An example during the middle stage was when Dr. Bruh asked Mickey, What defines you as a man? Dr. Bruh was also able to facilitate norms within the group when he asked each group member if they wanted a hand out and each member answered that they did not. A group involves various dynamics that Dr. Bruh had to be aware of. These include power struggles, control, trust and self-disclosure. In order for the group to develop in the beginning stage, Dr. Bruh had to take on the role of an enabler. An enabler helps members utilize their own resources and strengths and encourages members to share their thoughts with the groupsupports a culture of mutual aid among members (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 285). By redirecting members who monopolize the group and by acknowledging someone's issues and redirecting the issue back to the group, Bruh is able to fulfill the role of being an enabler. An example of Dr. Bruh utilizing this skill was when he redirected the group when Carl stated that he has 8 children. Jay stood up and said that he was from a single parent family and that spending time with family is important. Dr. Bruh had to redirect the group by bringing members together and asking if they all agreed that having children is a beautiful thing. Dr. Bruh demonstrated being a leader in the beginning stage when he established the rules of the group and said, I wanted to say some quick rules and that since we are all men there needs to be respect. He reiterated the sentiment again when he said, the foundation of the group is about respect. During the middle stage, Dr. Bruh reinforced the groups common goal when he said, there is something that is keeping each of you from reaching your full potential and the goal of GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 12
the group is to uncover some of these things. It may not feel good, but I want all of you to be committed and work together and not pull in opposite directions. What needs to happen for your group to be more effective? The beginning stage has a great deal of opportunity for the group to become more effective. The workers primary goals are to help members to feel comfortable in the group, to work together in a cooperative and productive manner, and to feel that their unique contributions to the group is respected and appreciated (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 199). This is not an easy task for Dr. Bruh or any group leader however, there are skills that can help a group leader like Dr. Bruh fulfill the beginning stages purpose. To accomplish these goals it is helpful to: facilitate member introductions, clarify the purpose and function of the group, discuss and clarify the limits of confidentiality, help members to feel they are a part of the group, guide the development of the group, balance task and socio-emotional aspects, set goals, contact for work, facilitate members motivation and ability to work in the group, address ambivalence and resistance, work with mandated clients, anticipate obstacles, monitor and evaluate the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 199). The middle stage of treatment is characterized by an initial period of testing, conflict, and adjustment as members work out their relationships with one another and the larger group (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 267). In the sessions with Dr. Bruh, as with any other group, activities can help the group become more effective. The seven activities include: preparing for group meetings, structure the groups work, involving and empowering group members, helping members to achieve goals, using empirically based treatment methods, working with reluctant and resistant group members, and monitoring and evaluating the group s progress (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 267). GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 13
The skills workers use in the ending stage determine, in part, the success of the entire group process (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 398). A group leader can utilize tasks to become more effective. A variety of tasks are associated with ending a group as a whole: learning from members, maintaining and generalizing change efforts, reducing group attraction and promotion the independent functioning of individual members, helping members deal with their feelings about ending, planning for the future, making referrals, evaluating the work of the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 404). Based on your observation of diversity, how do you plan to respond? This group, upon first glance, had many things in common; they are all male, African American adults. However, diversity exists within all groups; Dr. Bruhs group shows clear evidence of economic and religious diversity. An example of economic diversity is between Jay and Clyde. Jay stated, he is only able to eat fish sticks and potato chips for Thanksgiving dinner, while Mr. Clyde has a family that wants for nothing. An example of diversity in relation to expressing religious beliefs relates to Carl wanting to discuss religion with the other group members while they are unresponsive to him. Dr. Bruhs plan was to redirect the conversation to the main topic of how the group members perceive themselves. When planning to respond to diversity within a group, it is important for the group leader to be sensitive to the diversity (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 149). A group leader should utilize a strength based perspective, centering on the cultural as well as the members strengths (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 149). A group leader could also find it is often useful to acknowledge the differences that exist in the group and to explore the experiences that members may have in common (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 150). Ending Phase GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 14
Social Workers Behaviors in the Middle and Ending Phase Just as the group members behaviors evolved, so did Dr. Bruhs. In the middle phase of the session, Dr. Bruh was continuing to mediate many conflicts between each member. In addition, he was also attempting to create norms and similarities between the members while asking questions that allowed members to be open and elaborate on more. Dr. Bruhs relationship with group members remained nonjudgmental and non-biased as more information was disclosed by specific members. This allowed a feeling of comfort and trust to be established, which ultimately aided to the continuation of communication in the group, as a whole. In the end, these behaviors assisted in allowing the group to be more independent with the way it functioned. Dr. Bruh did not have to facilitate and direct the group as strongly as he did in the earlier phases. The amount of intervening that occurred from Dr. Bruh steadily decreased as he observed the group function without heavy guidance. Members Role in Terms of Denial or Acceptance In the latter phase, group members appear to be much more accepting of their purpose within the group. In the beginning, each member questioned their involvement with the group and denied any associations as they discriminated against one another. There continued to be struggles of accepting intrapersonal interventions as members focused on each others problems rather than their own, though. Dr. Bruh and other members continuously questioned each other of their flaws, such as each members perspective of women and their relationship with women, and each member remained adamant of their views and thoughts of the topic. This shows that the group members continue to be in denial of needing to make any changes within their personal lives and thoughts; Clydes idea of a mans role in the home did not change, Jay continued to use disrespectful and derogatory language when referring to women, Mickey remains constant in his GROUP ANALYSIS PAPER 15
thoughts and views of himself and his relationship, Herb believes he has many girlfriends and that talking to them solely online is find, and Divine continuously preaches about spreading Gods word, although his relationships within his life arent on the best terms.
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References Toseland, Ronald., & Rivas, Robert. (2012). An Introduction to Group work Practice. (6th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn/Bacon. Shulman, Lawrence. (2009). The Skills of Helping Individuals, Families, Groups and Communities (6th ed.). Itasca, IL: Peacock Publishing.