1. Chapter 2: Group Work: Stages and Issues
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition
Edited by David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark D. Stauffer

2. Stages and Transitions
Early Conceptualizations
Bennis and Sheppard (1956)
Developmental stages of groups in terms of an dependence/independence cycle
Dependence—flight
Counterdependence—fight
Resolution—catharsis
Enchantment—flight
Disenchantment—fight
Consensual validation

3. Stages and Transitions
Current Conceptualizations
Groups move through six different stages
Formation: Pre-group planning
Member inclusion (orientation, security)
Member interaction (storming, transition, conflict, acceptance)
Member and group cohesion (norming, action, conflict, responsibility, cohesiveness)
Member and group achievement (performing, working)
Member and group parting (adjourning, termination, closing)

4. Stage One Labeled by terms forming, exploratory, orientation, security
Includes preparatory work that needs to take place prior to group formation
Member inclusion in the group process
A period of definition for group members
Characterized by anxiety and dependence

5. Stage Two
Labeled by terms storming, transition, conflict, acceptance, orientation
Characterized by active personal involvement
Action and reaction
Movement from passive involvement to risk taking

6. Stage Three
Labeled by terms norming, action, conflict, responsibility, and transition
Cohesiveness
Standardization
Role clarification
Intimacy
Inclusion
Conflict resolution

7. Stages Four, Five, and Six
Labeled by terms performing, termination, cohesiveness, consolidation, and follow-up
Developing roles
Resolving issues
Self-disclosure
Honesty
Behavioral reaffirmations
Ending

8. Definitive Stage (Capuzzi & Gross)
Formative/developmental
Characteristic questions
“Can I fit into this type of group?”
“Can I trust the leader and other members?”
“Will I be hurt?

9. Personal Involvement Stage (Capuzzi & Gross)
Action
Reaction
Interaction
Characteristic statements
“I need.”
“I care.”

10. Group Involvement Stage (Capuzzi & Gross)
Self-evaluation and assessment
Cooperation
Cohesiveness
Problem exploration
Characteristic references
“Insider”
“Outsider”

11. Enhancement and Closure Stage (Capuzzi & Gross)
Evaluation
Characteristic statements
“I was…, now I am…”
“I felt…, now I feel…”
“I didn’t…, now I do…”
“I couldn’t…, now I can…”