15 Mar Explain how a social worker assesses group dynamics
GROUP DYNAMICS
Why treat a person in a group rather than in individual therapy? The answer to this question lies with interpersonal dynamics. If members are especially invested in the group and the health of others, they can exert influence and even challenge one another, in a way that the social worker may not be able to do on their own through individual therapy.
Social workers, then, must be able to observe dynamics so they can better understand the forces at play and, through leadership, steer the group forward. Such action harnesses the power of the group. However, dynamics such as sense of cohesion may be subtle at times and come out through nonverbal means. Some things are overt (clearly stated), while others are covert (hidden). So, how exactly does a social worker assess group dynamics? In this Discussion, you examine this question while observing the interplay of people within a fictional group.
TO PREPARE
- Review the Learning Resources on group dynamics.
- View the Group video in the Learning Resources. While watching the video, consider the communication, cohesion, social integration, and influence among the members of the group.
BY DAY 3
Explain how a social worker assesses group dynamics. Then, evaluate the dynamics (communication, cohesion, social integration, influence) of the therapy group shown in the Group video. Explain how this group’s dynamics may influence treatment. What principles for practice might be helpful for the leader to know in dealing with this group?
References
- Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 3, “Understanding Group Dynamics” (pp. 67–97)
- Davies, P. T., & Coe, J. L. (2019). Family relationship dynamics: A developmental perspectiveLinks to an external site.. In B. H. Fiese, M. Celano, K. Deater-Deckard, E. N. Jouriles, & M. A. Whisman (Eds.), APA handbook of contemporary family psychology: Foundations, methods, and contemporary issues across the lifespan, Vol. 1 (pp. 165–185). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000099-010
Required Media
- Group. (2020, May 1). S1, Ep 5: Is this allowed in group?Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B2AfEiVAgI
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 14 minutes.
- Family Therapy
Time Estimate: 5 minutes
Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.