Training Group Leaders Research Articles

Training effective multicultural group counselors: Issues for a group training course

Abstract This article gives a brief overview of multicultural theory (racial identity development, counselor racial consciousness development and implications) and practice (specific multicultural issues and techniques) that could be included in a group leader training course.

An interview with rex stockton

Abstract Rex Stockton discusses his involvement in group counseling, his research interests and contributions, the training of group leaders. and the future of group work.

Leadership skills and helpful factors in self-help groups

Abstract The effects of training on leadership skills and group processes in cancer and anorexic self-help groups are investigated. Three components of the study are reported. Firstly, an observational case-study of each type, of group was conducted to investigate the nature of the leadership input. Secondly, a Self-Help Questionnaire based on Lieberman's classification of leadership skills was administered to members of eight self-help groups to compare the experiences of groups with trained and untrained leaders. Thirdly, group members completed a Helpful Factors Questionnaire based on Yalom's analysis of group processes. The observational case-study revealed significant differences between the trained and untrained leaders in that, unlike the trained leader, the untrained leader clearly dominated the group. Results from the Self-Help Questionnaire showed that trained leaders scored higher on Caring and Emotional Stimulation but lower on Attribution of Meaning. Member satisfaction, however, was similar in the two types of group. Results from the Helpful Factors Questionnaire showed that most of the helpful factors were seen similarly by the two types of group, though differences were found concerning the relative rankings of both Guidance and Altruism. It is concluded that some degree of training of group leaders could be usefully incorporated into the self-help movement.

Training group leaders in ethical decision making

Abstract The authors describe a method for training group leaders in ethical decision making using ASGW's ethical guidelines, case vignettes, and Carkhuffs three goals of helping.

Simulation as a Medium for Training Group Leaders

This study was conducted to determine the effects of three group leadership styles on the personal and interpersonal functioning of 67 counselor trainees who participated in a required group experience in conjunction with a group experience course. The partici pants were randomly assigned to one of three group conditions: (1) structured T-group; (2) rotating leadership; or (3) Rogerian. Each of the 9 groups met approximately 20 hours over the course of the semester. Each subject completed the following instru ments : Edward's Personal Preference Schedule, Money Problem Checklist, and Reaction to Group Situation Test. Resultsfrom the pretest, posttest, and 6-8 weekfollow-up suggest that differences among the groups could be attributed in part to group leader ship styles. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Systematic group leader training: Evaluating the effectiveness of the approach

Abstract The research findings in this study indicate increases in skill acquisition following systematic group leadership training.

Systematic group leader training: A skills development approach

Abstract This article discusses the importance of presenting a set of basic skills to beginning group leaders. Six basic skills are discussed, and a systematic approach to training is briefly outlined.

Ethical training for group leaders

Abstract Facilitating ethically appropriate behavior among group workers involves ethical inquiry and systematic training. This article discusses enhancing ethical development by means of personal codes of ethics, exposure to ethical standards, and group discussion of general moral dilemmas.

Gender issues in training group leaders

Abstract The article discusses three areas in which a knowledge of gender differences are important in training group leaders: assumptions about feminine and masculine behavior, the effects of gender composition, and group reaction to women leaders. The author states five “principles” and presents supporting evidence, followed by specific implications and suggestions for trainers of group leaders.

The development of guidelines for training group leaders: A synergistic model

Abstract Training guidelines created for ASGW members are presented along with their rationale and philosophy. The article puts emphasis on synthesizing existing knowledge about group leader training and competencies and underlying assumptions that most practitioners would agree are universally desirable.

In-service training for group leaders in a prison hospital: Problems and prospects

Abstract This article presents a description of a series of in-service training workshops for group leaders in a prison hospital setting. It describes a philosophy for training group leaders and presents the format and design of a four-day didactic/experiential training workshop. The authors briefly discuss some outcomes of these workshops, as well as the challenges of this type of work.

Preventive intervention in an HMO: the social worker's role in a marital separation program.

Marital separation is a stressful life change which can have a major impact on subsequent health. The Harvard Community Health Plan, a health maintenance organization, is examining the effectiveness of an early intervention program in reducing stress-related and inappropriate medical utilization for people after marital separation. The administrative, clinical and supervisory multifunctional role of the social worker within the project is examined. The preventive intervention program is described, as well as the supervision and training of group leaders for the program. Preliminary medical utilization data support the hypothesis that marital separation is associated with increased health care utilization by those experiencing this life stress. More complete analysis of the results of the impact of the program will be detailed in a subsequent paper.

An Apprentice Model for Training Group Leaders: Revitalizing Group Treatment

The use of group therapy as a treatment modality has varied, enjoying both positive and negative evaluations regarding its efficacy. One consistent criticism of and contributing factor to the demise of the group involvement is poor leader preparation. The apprenticeship model provides an alternative to an experience based training model. Successful group leadership demands an integration of theory, experience, and personal awareness. The development of these skills should be graduated, allowing the leader to assume responsibility commensurate with level of training. Implementation of this model has had favorable effects on group therapy leaders, clients, and agency morale.

INTERPERSONAL SKILL TRAINING FOR SOCIAL WORKERS IN SMALL GROUPS

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a small-group training program aimed at teaching social workers those interpersonal skills necessary for effective practice. Participants were taught to deal with critical situations commonly encountered by professional social workers in their clinical practice. Modeling, overt and covert rehearsal, videotaped and verbal feedback, coaching, behavioral assignments, delegation of group leadership, and other small group procedures were utilized in the training program. Participants met in small groups offour to six members for 2-hour sessions each week over a period of 6 weeks. The results of the study indicated that, following training, the participants were significantly (p≤ .o1) more effective than the controls in dealing with both trained and untrained items on a behavior role-play test. Methodological limitations, implications for future research on small-group training of social workers, and training of group leaders are discussed.

Group Leader Training: A Model

Group Leader Training: A Model

On the Effectiveness of Group Counseling

In order to assess the effectiveness of group leaders in a correction setting, a sample of counseling groups lead by psychologists, social workers, and correctional counselors was drawn. The results indicated that groups lead by psychologists had better adjustment in their work settings than those groups lead by other leaders. Similarly, motivation was higher in the psychologist-lead groups. The significant differences between group leaders was attributed to the differential role the group leader has within the correctional setting, particularly the relative input the group leader has in the inmate's final recommendation for parole. Thus, the inmate's perception of the group leader as a threat to his freedom negates the effectiveness of the group counseling process. Recommendations for training of group leaders as well as their selection are discussed.

Processes and Outcomes of Group Discussions as Related to Leader Behaviors

Student discussion-group leaders were assessed on indices of facilitative empathy, respect, and genuineness, and their behaviors were analyzed with Flanders, interaction categories. None of the leaders reached minimally helpful levels of the facilitative conditions, and only two out of five could be categorized as "indirect" leaders. None of the group process measures and only a few of the outcome measures were significantly related to leader behaviors, but even within the restricted range of leader functioning, leaders’ levels of respect and genuineness proved to be highly related to student transfer of learning. Implications for the training of group leaders were considered.

A new programme of sex education and counselling for spinal cord injured adults and health care professionals.

A new programme in sex education and counselling for spinal cord injured adults and health care professionals has been described. The format of the 2-day desensitising-resensitising programme included exposure to a programmed assortment of explicit slides and films of sexual activity. Periodic small group discussions led by trained group leaders constituted the most important part. The results suggest that continued sexual interest, activity and satisfaction can be anticipated for many paraplegics and quadriplegics. An accepting, experimental attitude toward sexual activity promotes satisfaction with an interested and caring partner. However, many health professionals deliver inadequate sexual counselling to patients with spinal cord injury. This may add to the sum of the disabilities carried by the paraplegic and quadriplegic adult.