The textbook discovers multiple theories that can be applied to Group Work practices. To be more specific the text provides six theories that apply to Group Work Practices. The six theirs presented in the text are systems theory, psychodynamic theory, learning theory, field theory, social exchange theory, and narrative and constructivist theory.
System theory- there are four stages to this theory. The four essential stages include integration, adaption, pattern maintenance, and goal attainment (Toseland & Rivas, 2011, p. 57).
Psychodynamic theory- looks at the behavior of the person and not the group. The purpose of this theory is to understand …show more content…
This theory suggest that people attempts to act in a way that will maximize rewards and minimize punishments. This theory “is analyzed by observing how individual members seek rewards while dealing with the sustained social interaction occurring in a group” (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p.63).
Narrative and constructivist theories- languages and experiences help create life stories. It empowers people to overcome obstacles.
Which theory makes most sense to you? Explain why.
The theory that makes the most sense to me is the narrative and constructivist theories. It makes complete sense to me to use a persons own life experiences in a group. By using a persons life experience it is know that what they person is talking about actually took place which would make the group more interested because a person is not talking about something that has never happened. This can also relate to therapeutic alliance, because the social worker can use what they heard from the client to create a bond. According to Shulman, 2011 “therapeutic alliance is an important variable for treatment outcome in routine psychiatric treatment, and improving the therapeutic alliance may be one of the most important factors for increasing the total effectiveness of a treatment” (p.