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Structure in Group Work. Accompanies Chen and Rayback, Pp 53-56; 65-71; 73-77; 85-98. Theory of Structure. Historically, groups initiated under conditions of ambiguity Drop-out rate of @40 percent. Risk, Responsibility, Structure Model. Bednar, Melnick, & Kaul (1973)
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Structure in Group Work Accompanies Chen and Rayback, Pp 53-56; 65-71; 73-77; 85-98
Theory of Structure • Historically, groups initiated under conditions of ambiguity • Drop-out rate of @40 percent
Risk, Responsibility, Structure Model • Bednar, Melnick, & Kaul (1973) • Early group environment evaluated as ambiguous & threatening • High risk associated with producing self-disclosure, feedback, and group confrontation
Risk, Responsibility, Structure Model • Risk due to unpredictability of message outcomes • Communicator anticipates specific negative outcomes (Robison & Hardt, 1992; Robison, Morran, & Stockton, 1989)
Cont. • These outcomes include: • Rejection by others, implicit and outright • Being evaluated as weird, crazy, etc. • Excluded from group liasons • Given less “voice” in group decisions • Being pitied, thought of as hopeless • Being verbally attacked • Physically attacked or threatened
Cont. • Threat in environment = fewer therapeutic messages
Cont. • Structure inceases therapeutic messages, hastens therapeutic work: • Members communicate under structure • Members assume less responsibility for message outcomes • Outcomes, thus, are less risky • Members disclose more, give more fdbk • Members better able to predict message outcomes
Cont. • Members communicate more therapeutic messages • Structure becomes increasingly unnecessary
Forms of Structure • Cognitive • Pregroup preparation • Early group instructions
Types of Structure • Behavioral Group exercises, role-plays Modeling by members and leaders Discussion of anticipated outcomes and fears thereof
Pregroup Member Screening • Steps • Rapport-building • Chief complaint • Goals for group participation • Psychosocial history • Optional mental status examination (formal or informal) • Summary and contracting
A Word About Member Rights • Group members have several rights, among them: • Right to know the leader’s credentials • Voluntary participation at all times • Freedom to withdraw • Equal treatment at all times by race, background, creed, gender, sexual orientation, and philosophical background • Confidential treatment of disclosure