1. Group Development Principles of Developmental Theory Development occurs in an orderly fashion through stages. Stages are completed in sequence. Knowledge of developmental stages allows one to predict behavior. Development can be facilitated. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

2. Group Development Stages of Groups Orientation or Exploratory Stage: Members lean on the group leader for guidance. Group rules and norms are discussed. Members are guarded because trust has not yet been built. Members may also be defensive and resistant because they are unsure. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

3. Group Development Stages of Groups Orientation or Exploratory Stage: Member roles are explored. Members may come forth with hidden agendas. Group leaders do a lot of guiding at this stage. Group leaders model communication and behavior that they want the group to follow. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

4. Group Development Stages of Groups Moving from the Orientation or Exploratory stage: Members are ready to move to the next stage when:  They have internalized the ground rules and are following them.  They have developed some trust with one another.  The group feels safe to group members.  Members treat each other with respect and caring. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

5. Group Development Stages of Groups The Experimental or Transition Stage: Conflict is common at this stage. Members begin to test the group and seek power and greater self- disclosure. Other members may attempt to block increased self-disclosure due to feelings of threat or feeling uncomfortable. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

6. Group Development Stages of Groups The Experimental or Transition Stage: Members may act tentatively and experimentally, testing others reactions. Group leaders model appropriate self-disclosure. Group leaders facilitate responses that are genuine, concrete and suitable to the level of disclosure being presented. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

7. Group Development Stages of Groups Moving from the Experimental or Transition stage: Members are ready to move to the next stage when:  Members feel closer to one another.  Trust and risk taking behaviors have increased.  Members show care-taking behavior toward one another. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

8. Group Development Stages of Groups The Cohesive, Working or Action Stage: People know what is expected and act accordingly. Members are sensitive and responsive to one another. Members have developed an emotional attachment to each other. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

9. Group Development Stages of Groups The Cohesive, Working or Action Stage: Group leaders are less active and members more active. Group leaders model appropriate ways to confront others. Members make a commitment to change and act on that commitment. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

10. Group Development Stages of Groups The Termination or Disengagement Stage: Disengagement usually begins a few sessions before the ending of the group. Self-disclosure and risk taking taper off. Grief and loss issues are common. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

11. Group Development Stages of Groups The Termination or Disengagement Stage: Feelings of ambivalence about the group ending are also common. Group counselors reinforce the growth made in the group and encourage members to continue to maintain progress. Counselors make any necessary referrals at this point. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

12. Group Development Group Development Over Time The group becomes less leader centered and more member centered. Self-disclosure moves from being centered on impersonal events or feelings located in the past to more personal and present centered. Conflicts are handled less by avoidance and more by acknowledgment. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

13. Group Development Group Development Over Time Norms change from those that have been more imposed by the leader to those collaborated on by the group and these norms reflect the culture of the group. Boundaries between members move from being ridged to being more flexible. Individual and cultural differences become more respected and valued. Members move from reluctance in hearing feedback to seeking it. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”