NRNP 6650 Week 7 Assignment 1: Group Processes and Stages of Formation

Assignment Overview

In this assignment, students analyze group therapy dynamics using the video Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration from the course Learning Resources. Focus on group processes, formation stages, curative factors, and conflict management to build skills in facilitating effective group sessions. This 2- to 3-page paper supports understanding of how these elements influence client outcomes in psychotherapy groups.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze group processes and stages of formation.
• Analyze curative factors of groups.
• Analyze the impact of curative factors on client progress.
• Recommend strategies for managing intragroup conflict.

Preparation Instructions

1. Review this week’s Learning Resources on group processes.
2. View the media Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration and note group dynamics.
3. Reflect on insights from the video regarding formation stages and factors affecting progress.

Assignment Requirements

Write a 2- to 3-page paper addressing the following points. Use APA 7th edition formatting, including a title page, introduction, body, summary, and references. Support all recommendations with evidence-based literature.

• Explain the group’s processes and stage of formation, drawing from Tuckman’s model (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning).
• Explain curative factors that occurred in the group, such as universality or cohesiveness; describe how these factors might impact client progress.
• Explain intragroup conflict that occurred and recommend evidence-based strategies for managing it.

Note: The School of Nursing requires a title page, introduction, summary, and references in all papers. See the sample paper at the Walden Writing Center.

Submission Guidelines

Submit by Day 7. Name your file “WK7Assgn1+last name+first initial.(extension)”. Use the Week 7 Assignment 1 link in the classroom. Review the rubric before submission. Check draft authenticity via plagiarism tools and agree to the Global Reference Database if applicable.

Grading Rubric

(Excellent 100% – 90%; Proficient 89% – 80%; Basic 79% – 70%; Needs Improvement <70%)

Sample Student Paper Excerpt

The group in Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration operates in the storming stage of Tuckman’s model, where members test boundaries and express initial conflicts over social challenges. Curative factors like universality emerge as clients recognize shared struggles, fostering hope and reducing isolation to advance individual progress. Intragroup tension arises when one member dominates discussions, yet the facilitator models active listening to de-escalate; evidence supports such interventions in building cohesion (Yalom & Leszcz, The theory and practice of group psychotherapy, 2020). Strategies include reframing conflicts as growth opportunities, which aligns with recent studies on group dynamics in mental health settings.

Curative Factors in Action

Building on the demonstration, group cohesiveness strengthens when members validate each other’s experiences, as seen in a study of outpatient therapy groups where this factor predicted 65% variance in symptom reduction (Burlingame et al., 2021). Case examples from adolescent anxiety groups show altruism—members offering support—accelerates norming and task focus.

• Cohesiveness correlates with attendance and outcomes in meta-analyses of 100+ trials.
• Universality reduces shame, per DSM-5-TR aligned research.

Real-world application appears in veteran PTSD groups, where shared narratives enhance interpersonal learning.

Managing Storming Conflicts

Students often overlook how unaddressed power struggles stall progress; compare CBT reframing versus NVC for resolution—NVC excels in diverse groups by emphasizing needs over blame. Key considerations include pre-group screening to match readiness levels, addressing a common rubric pitfall. Recent guidelines from the American Group Psychotherapy Association recommend structured check-ins; for instance, solution carousels generate buy-in.

1. Map conflict timelines to identify triggers.
2. Prioritize motivational interviewing for resistance.
3. Follow up with behavioral contracts for accountability.

This approach ensures ethical practice and high rubric scores.

References

Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Yang, C. (2021). Cohesion in group therapy: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 58(3), 256–269. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000303

Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of small-group development revisited. Group & Organization Studies, 2(4), 419–427. https://doi.org/10.1177/105960117700200404

Wheelan, S. A. (2021). Creating effective teams: A guide for members and leaders. Sage Publications. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/creating-effective-teams/book259194

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books. https://doi.org/10.1177/05390184211038996

American Group Psychotherapy Association. (2022). Clinical practice guidelines for group psychotherapy. https://www.agpa.org/pubs/guidelines

Compose a 2- to 3-page APA paper analyzing group processes from a therapy video., Write a 2–3 page essay on curative factors in group formation., Submit a focused analysis of storming stage conflicts in groups.
NRNP 6650 Week 7 assignment, group processes essay, stages of group formation Walden, curative factors group therapy, intragroup conflict strategies nursing

Week 8 Assignment: Group Therapy Progress Note

NRNP 6650 Week 8 Assignment: Develop diagnoses for clients in a group psychotherapy session and document using the Group Therapy Progress Note template. Explain and justify DSM-5 diagnoses for each client, evaluate CBT efficacy for the group with expected outcomes, and address legal/ethical implications. Submit a 2-page note plus discussion by Day 7, supported by evidence; review rubric for APA and HIPAA compliance.