GROUP ANALISIS

CLAY

Group Analysis Middle and Ending stages.

Crystal D. Clay
004338700
Wayne State University
Social Work 4010

GROUP ANALISIS
CLAY

Abstract
In this essay, the generalist social worker analyzes and discusses the development of middle and
ending stages in groups. The information examined is gleaned from a small group session and
includes group member behaviors and interactions. The focus pertains to the analyzation of the
dynamics of groups, and the middle, and ending phases of group work.

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In the scenario, a group member discloses several "value-laden issues. The information
conveyed places the social worker in a situation that could pose a possible ethical dilemma. The
social worker realizes-expressing personal views- concerning the information shared by the
group member would have an improper influence on the group. Therefore, the social worker
places the focus on the group member when asked their position regarding the matter. The social
workers actions result in the member becoming frustrated.
The beginning phase of group session consists of establishing norms, roles, and other
various dynamics that contribute to patterns and interactions for group members. In the middle
period, the social worker utilizes a skillset including and not limited to being empathic,
participating, initiating a request for work, sharing data, providing group members support with
taboo subjects and identifying the context and processing connections (Kuechler, 2011)
(Toseland & Rivas, 2012). Additionally, group members become involved with doing the agreed
upon " work, necessary to accomplish specific task and goals" (Kuechler, 2011). The stage
includes "problem-solving, intimacy, work and maturity (Toseland & Rivas, 2012). Lastly due
to the distinguishing of roles made in the first phase- work toward accomplishing the tasks and
the "development of feedback and evaluation (Kuechler, 2011) occur in the middle period.
In the ending stage of a group work, "members make decisions, complete their
obligations, and furnish results of their efforts (Toseland & Rivas, 2012). Further, group
members also begin to experience a "decline in cohesion and feelings as they prepare to
separate (Kuechler, 2011). Social workers can assist group members with negative feelings
concerning termination by preparing and advising group members on how to manage the
challenges of this final stage- in every stage of group sessions. Additionally, the process of

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terminating group sessions is often marked with summarizing the group's accomplishments and
celebrating together."
In conclusion, a social worker participating in all phases of group work should consider
the possible need to shift and exhibit many roles. The changing of roles allows the social worker
and group to work toward creating cohesiveness, problem solving, and performance. The
workers primary function is seeking concreteness, preserving focus and managing obstacles to
keep the group a cohesive organism and assist the group in working as individuals and
collectively. Moreover, the most important role the social worker performs is maintainers. To
continuously maintain the group; the social worker must shift into roles of encourager, tensionreliever, facilitator, interpreter, mediator, evaluator, and the highly necessary listener/follower.
The latter (listener/follower) assisted the social worker in stimulating group members and
retaining their interest in achieving the groups goals. However, the lack of authentic
confidentiality in a group-setting make it necessary to attempt to create an environment
conducive to trust that fosters truthful and genuine sharing in the group setting. Finally, when
working with multiple persons in groups- it is pertinent the social worker understands they are
working with an "individual first and a group second (Williams, 2014). One is to consider the
development of each group member toward his or her individual success.

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CLAY

Works Cited
Kuechler, C. F. (2011). Review of Dynamics and Skills of Group Counseling .
Social Work with Groups: Journal of Community and Clinical Practice ,
34 (2), 210-212.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2012). An Introduction to Gorup Work Practice
(7th Edition ed.). (D. Musslewhite, Ed.) Boston, Massachusetts, United
States of America: Allyn & Bacon Pearson Education, Inc.
Williams, B. (2014). Group Therapy: A Natural Opportunity for support.
Practice Nursing , 25 (4), 190-194.