Week 6: Understanding Group Dynamics

It is important to understand group dynamics because of their impact on the function and success of the group process. The actual “dynamic” is what influences the behavior of each member of the group and the group as a whole. Every group develops their own dynamic, and it is the social worker’s role to ensure that the interactions within the group are helping the members reach the group’s goals. Sometimes it takes only one member to interrupt or destroy the group’s cohesion and social interaction. It is the role of the social worker to oversee the functioning of the group and to ensure that all members feel empowered to help change the dynamic to a supportive influence. It is also the role of the social worker to make sure that the group process is moving in a direction that is consistent with the group’s purpose.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze group and family dynamics in a case
• Compare group dynamics to family dynamics
• Analyze the role of the social worker in empowering groups

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 3, “Understanding Group Dynamics” (pp. 67–97)

Drumm, K. (2006). The essential power of group work. Social Work With Groups, 29(2–3), 17–31.

Required Media

Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2011a). Group therapy: A live demonstration. [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author.

Watch segment from timestamp 30:00 to 39:48.

McGoldrick, M. (n.d.). The legacy of unresolved loss:  A family systems approach [Video file].

Watch segment from timestamp 0:43 to 09:38.

Discussion: Group Dynamics and Family Dynamics

When working with families and groups the priority is for the social worker to understand the process that is taking place.  In both situations there is the overt (clearly stated) dynamics and the covert (hidden) dynamics.  The content (what is being said) in both settings is what is open and stated.  The process (how it is being said) is the unspoken information; what is underneath the interaction is what the social worker needs to explore in both groups and family systems.
For this Discussion, watch the video segments of a group and a family session provided in required resources.

By Day 3

Post the following:

• Describe the group dynamic (communication, cohesion, social integration, influence) of the group shown in the required media.
• Explain how this group’s dynamics may influence treatment.
• A description of the family dynamic (communication, cohesion, social integration, influence) of the family shown in the required media.
• Explain how this family’s dynamics may influence treatment.
• Explain any similarities or differences when assessing dynamics in a group versus a family and how those dynamics may affect treatment.

By Day 5

Respond to two colleagues. Explain whether you agree or disagree with their comparison of group and family dynamics. Provide a suggestion of how to assess dynamics in a group or family and explain why it may be important to understand the dynamic for treatment.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:
Week 5 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 5

To participate in this Discussion:
Week 5 Discussion

Assignment: Assessing Group Process 2

Each member of a group contributes to the group’s dynamic even if the member is silent. As a clinical social worker, it is important to understand the dynamics you bring to a group and the role you tend to assume in a group setting. Every individual has his or her own way of interacting. Knowing your own personal style and the role you tend to choose will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses when working within a group.
For this Assignment, describe the dynamics of your Wiki Group. By this time, your group should have developed the family case study and defined the scope of the problem.
Reflect on your participation in the dynamics. What role have you assumed in the group? Have you used any empowerment strategies in moving the group forward? If not, what strategy could you implement?
Group Process Assignments should integrate course concepts related to group process. Assignments should demonstrate critical thought when applying course material to your group experience. Support ideas in your Assignment with APA citations from this week’s required resources
THIS IS THE GROUP WIKI
 
Family Description
Peter’s family is the one selected for this project. Peter is a 34-year old Caucasian man who originates from San Francisco, California. He is married to Fernando, a 33-year old Latino man, who is a first generation American. Fernando’s parent immigrated from Cuba before he was born. They live on the outskirts of San Francisco and have been married for three years. They met while in college where Peter earned a business degree, and Fernando earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing. The couple adopted a child about nine months ago from Colombia. The child’s name is Jose and he is currently 24 months old. Peter’s job keeps him very busy and requires him to travel a lot. Therefore, the primary issue here is balancing work and home life for Peter.
Roles & Communication
The group that will address the concern comprises five members, Sharon, Sandra, Catlin, Hannah and Titilope. Each member will have a specific duty. Someone will oversee the family assessment to establish the underlying problems (Mullen et al., 2008). A timetable was completed to break down weekly goals for the project and each member of the group have decided to assign goals each week based on the previous development of the project. For example, during week four Sharon will be responsible for engagement techniques, Sandra will be responsible for research on social, cultural, and diverse considerations, Titilope will be responsible for defining the specific problem, and Hannah and Catlin will be responsible for organizing and publishing material into the Wiki.
Members will communicate over the Internet using email, hangouts to video chat, and via texting to communicate weekly and to share research and project materials. Every member has a smartphone; thus, this will necessitate effective communication regarding the progress of the project.
Reference
Mullen, E. J., Bledsoe, S. E., & Bellamy, J. L. (2008). Implementing evidence-based social work practice. Research on Social Work Practice, 18(4), 325–338.