Technology-Based Groups: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Practice

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of technology-based groups in the practice arena, existing models of social work practice do not address the distinctive features of these innovative group forms. This article provides a comprehensive review of the professional, popular, and social psychology literature related to technology-based groups. A conceptual framework that extends current conceptions of social work with groups to telephone conference call and computer-assisted groups is also presented. This framework builds on existing models of social work practice with face-to-face groups by drawing on the experience and evaluation of practitioners and on social psychology theory and research related to technology-based groups. Important features of technology-based groups are identified at the individual, group, and environmental system levels. Based on this framework, ways to prepare social workers for practice with technology-based groups are discussed and guidelines for practice are suggested.