Group Process

Patricia P. Fantone 3-CPS

1. Groups - two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition - a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship 2. Historical Development of Groups and Important people who made contributions 1900s: Joseph Hersey Pratt organized the first formal group experience, wrote about the dynamics that occur within group settings and served as model for other leaders exploring processes within their groups. He recognized the therapeutic power of groups. 1907: Jesse B. Davis stressed the functionality of a group as an environment in which to learnlife skills and values. 1908: After the death of Frank Parsons, counselors in many guidance settings and other such agencies used groups as a way of dispensing information and providing educational and vocational guidance. 1910-1919: During World War I, psychological groups tests (e.g. Alpha and Beta intelligence tests) were developed and administered and groups were used in a limited way to treat combat fatigued soldiers. 1921: J.L. Moreno helped promote the growth of group work by employing theatrical techniques with people who were psychologically disturbed. 1922: Alfred Adler’s Collective Counseling attributed as a major breakthrough to the systematic use of groups in counseling 1930-1939 - Increase in group guidance and psychoeducational publications and practices. - J.L. Moreno continued to make write and make creative presentations. - There was an increase in the number and quality of field work studies by sociologists such as Muzafer Sherif, Theodore Newcomb, and W.E. Whyte. - The founding of the first major self help group in America, Alcoholics Anonymous. - Movement of psychoanalytical treatment into the group domain

1940-1945: Kurt Lewin was recognized as the most influential founder and promoter of group dynamics. -

Field Theory: Lewin’s approach emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environments. Based on the ideas of Gestalt psych in which there is interdependence in part/whole relationships.

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The group is a whole that is different from and greater than the parts that compose it..

References: -

Group [Def 1 and 2] (n.d.). In Merriam Webster Online, Retrieved November 16 , 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/group.

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Dema Ala, P. (2008). Group Process Timeline. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/5239741/Group-Process-Timeline