Advancing Stages of Group Development Theory: The Case of Institutionalized Older Persons

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using content analysis to analyze process recordings, the developmental patterns of two groups of older institutionalized persons are presented. The similarities to and differences from the stages of group development described by Bennis and Shepard; Garland, Jones, and Kolodny; and Schiller are discussed. Findings suggest that vulnerability to institutional power and the resultant dependence on the social worker were critical variables influencing how the groups developed over time. Differential principles for applying stages of group development theory to practice are offered.