Group Counseling And Group Work

Question 1

Prior to the 1960s most counseling took place

a. in a group setting.
b. with the entire family present.
c. in a dyadic relationship.
d. in behavior therapy clinics.

Answer 1

In a dyadic relationship.

Dyad means functioning in a pair.

Question 2

A group has

a. a membership which can be defined.
b. some degree of unity and interaction.
c. a shared purpose.
d. all of the above.

Answer 2

All of the above.

Exam point saver: Although group work is very beneficial, preliminary meta-analysis research indicates that individual counseling still generally produces better results for depressed clients. At this time, however, the data are by no means 100% convincing. In general, group counseling is approximately as effective as individual work.

Question 3

The term group therapy was coined in 1931 by

a. Frank Parsons, the father of guidance (also referred to as vocational guidance).
b. Jacob Moreno, the father of psychodrama.
c. E. G. Williamson, associated with the Minnesota Viewpoint.
d. Fritz Perls, the father of gestalt therapy.

Answer 3

Jacob Moreno, the father of psychodrama.

Question 4

Noted psychotherapy author and scholar Raymond Corsini once referred to the early 1940s as the “modern era” of group work. In the 1940s the two organizations for group therapy were created and group work became a legitimate specialty. The groups are

a. NASW and NBCC.
b. ASGW and AAS.
c. the American Society for Group Psychotherapy and
Psychodrama (ASGPP) spawned by the work of Jacob Moreno in 1942 and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) which resulted from the effort of Samuel Richard Slavson in 1943.
d. AACD and APA.

Answer 4

The American Society for Group Psychotherapy and
Psychodrama (ASGPP) spawned by the work of Jacob Moreno in 1942 and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) which resulted from the effort of Samuel Richard Slavson in 1943.

Question 5

Which theorist’s (or theorists’) work has been classified as a preface to the group movement?

a. Sigmund Freud.
b. C. G. Jung.
c. Alfred Adler and Jesse B. Davis.
d. Marsha Linehan, who created dialectical behavior therapy
(DBT), originally used to deal with suicidal behaviors.

Answer 5

Alfred Adler and Jesse B. Davis.

Question 6

Primary groups are

a. preventive and attempt to ward off problems.
b. always follow a person-centered paradigm.
c. generally utilized for long-term psychotherapy.
d. always focused on the client’s childhood.

Answer 6

Preventive and attempt to ward off problems.

A primary group attempts to stop a problem before it occurs.

Question 7

A group is classified as secondary. This implies that

a. it is preventive and attempts to ward off problems.
b. a difficulty or disturbance is present.
c. two therapists are utilized.
d. all of the above.

Answer 7

A difficulty or disturbance is present.

When two counselors are used in a group setting the procedure is known as
“coleadership” or “cofacilitation.”

Question 8

When comparing a tertiary group with a primary or secondary
group

a. the tertiary group focuses less on individual members.
b. the tertiary group focuses more on the here and now.
c. the tertiary group is less likely to deal with severe pathology.
d. the tertiary group is more likely to deal with severe
pathology

Answer 8

The tertiary group is more likely to deal with severe pathology.

Question 9

Group norms

a. exist only in encounter groups.
b. exist only in career counseling groups.
c. are not related to group cohesiveness.
d. govern acceptable behavior and group rules.

Answer 9

Govern acceptable behavior and group rules.

Question 10

Group therapy initially flourished in the United States due to

a. Freud’s lectures in this country.
b. a shortage of competent career counselors.
c. a shortage of individual therapists during World War II.
d. pressure from nondirective therapists pushing encounter
groups.

Answer 10

A shortage of individual therapists during World War II.

During World War II, as well as after the war, many soldiers were plagued with severe psychological problems, yet a personnel shortage made it impossible for each and every person to be treated using individual therapy. Jacob Moreno had brought the idea of group therapy to the United States in 1925, but the supply and demand issues sparked by the war effort were the catalysts which generated this idea, whose time had come.

Question 11

Group content refers to material discussed in a group setting. Group process refers to

a. analysis of the unconscious.
b. analysis of the ego.
c. the T-group paradigm.
d. the manner in which discussions and transactions occur.

Answer 11

The manner in which discussions and transactions occur.

Group content refers to what the group is discussing. Group process refers to analyzing the communications, interactions, and transactions.

Question 12

Group cohesiveness refers to

a. forces which tend to bind group members together.
b. an analysis of group content.
c. a common coleadership style.
d. a style of leadership.

Answer 12

Forces which tend to bind group members together.

Question 13

Some theorists feel that group therapy differs from group counseling (which is also called an interpersonal problem-solving group) in that

a. group counseling would be of longer duration.
b. group therapy, also dubbed as a personality reconstruction
group, would be of longer duration.
c. group counseling requires far more training.
d. group therapy addresses a less-disturbed population of
clients.

Answer 13

Group therapy, also dubbed as a personality reconstruction
group, would be of longer duration.

Question 14

Most experts would agree that overall

a. structured exercises are more effective than unstructured techniques.
b. structured exercises are less effective than unstructured techniques.
c. all well-trained therapists favor structured exercises over unstructured techniques.
d. ethical guidelines must forbid unstructured techniques because they can be dangerous to the depressed or anxious client.

Answer 14

Structured exercises are less effective than unstructured techniques.

Question 15

One advantage of group work is that a counselor can see more clients in a given period of time. One disadvantage is that a counselor can be too focused on group processes and

a. individual issues are not properly examined.
b. the group becomes too behavioristic.
c. a and b.
d. the group focuses too much on content.

Answer 15

Individual issues are not properly examined.

Question 16

According to the risky shift phenomenon, a group decision will

a. be less conservative than the average group member’s decision, prior to the group discussion.
b. be more conservative than the average group member’s decision, prior to the group discussion.
c. often be aggressive or illegal.
d. violate the group’s confidentiality norms.

Answer 16

Be less conservative than the average group member’s decision, prior to the group discussion.

Question 17

T-groups often stress ways employees can express themselves in
an effective manner. The “T” in T-groups merely stands for

a. techniques.
b. taxonomy.
c. training.
d. testing.

Answer 17

Training.

Question 18

A counselor suggests that her client join an assertiveness training group. Most assertiveness training groups are

a. unstructured.
b. psychodynamic or person-centered.
c. focused heavily on existential concerns.
d. behavioristic and highly structured.

Answer 18

Behavioristic and highly structured.

Question 19

Weight Watchers is a

a. T-group, also called a training group.
b. self-help or support group, as is AA.
c. psychotherapygroup. d. marathongroup.

Answer 19

Self-help or support group, as is AA.

Question 20

The ACA and the ASGW division recommend screening for potential group members

a. for all groups.
b. only when the group is in a hospital inpatient setting.
c. only when the group is composed of minors.
d. only if the group deals with chemical dependency.

Answer 20

For all groups.

Question 21

A counselor is conducting a screening for clients who wish to participate in a counseling group which will meet Tuesday nights at his private practice office. Which client would most likely be the poorest choice for a group member?

a. A shy librarian.
b. An anxious salesman with no group experience.
c. An extremely hostile and belligerent construction worker.
d. A student with 16 hours toward her M.Ed in counseling.

Answer 21

An extremely hostile and belligerent construction worker.

Question 22

A counselor is screening clients for a new group at the college counseling center. Which client would most likely be the poorest choice for a group member?

a. A first-year student who is suicidal and sociopathic.
b. A second-year student who stutters.
c. A graduate student with a facial tic.
d. A fourth-year student with obsessive-compulsive (OCD)
tendencies.

Answer 22

A first-year student who is suicidal and sociopathic.

Question 23

A screening for group members can be done in a group or privately. Although private screening interviews are not as cost effective or as time efficient as group screening, many group leaders feel that private screening sessions are superior

a. because they intensify transference.
b. because they encourage catharsis.
c. because they intensify abreaction.
d. in terms of counselor–client interaction.

Answer 23

In terms of counselor–client interaction.

Question 24

Most experts in the field of group counseling would agree that
the most important trait for group members is the ability

a. to open up.
b. to listen.
c. to trust.
d. to convey empathy.

Answer 24

To trust.

Question 25

Groups can be open or closed. The two differ in that

a. open groups are limited to hospital settings.
b. in an open group, members can socialize between group
meetings.
c. closed groups always employ coleaders.
d. closed groups allow no new members after the group
begins.

Answer 25

Closed groups allow no new members after the group
begins.

Question 26

One major advantage of a closed group versus an open group is

a. cost effectiveness.
b. it promotes cohesiveness.
c. it lessens counselor burnout.
d. it allows the members to meet less frequently.

Answer 26

It promotes cohesiveness.

Question 27

One major disadvantage of a closed group versus an open group is that

a. if everyone quits, you will be left with no group members.
b. closed groups cannot provide depth therapy.
c. it promotes paranoid feelings in group members.
d. closed groups are much more structured.

Answer 27

If everyone quits, you will be left with no group members.

Question 28

The number of people in an open group is generally

a. more stable than in a closed group.
b. much smaller after an extended period of time than in a
closed group.
c. significantly larger than in a closed group.
d. more dependent on the group leader’s marketing skills
than in a closed group.

Answer 28

More stable than in a closed group.

Question 29

One distinct disadvantage of an open group is that

a. new members are not accepted after the first meeting.
b. the leader does not control the screening process.
c. a member who begins after the first meeting has missed
information or experiences.
d. the group is generally too behavioristic for depth therapy
to occur.

Answer 29

A member who begins after the first meeting has missed information or experiences.

Question 30

When a group member is speaking, it is best for the counselor to

a. try to face the group member.
b. not face the group member, as this does not appear genuine
in a group setting.
c. smile while listening.
d. suppress genuine emotion.

Answer 30

Try to face the group member.

Question 31

A group setting has a flexible seating arrangement in which clients are free to sit wherever they wish. In this setting it is likely that

a. an African American client and a white leader would sit close together.
b. a Latino/a client and an African American leader would sit close together.
c. an Asian American client and an African American leader would sit close together.
d. an Asian American leader and an Asian American client would sit close together.

Answer 31

An Asian American leader and an Asian American client would sit close together.

Question 32

A group setting has a flexible seating arrangement in which clients are free to sit wherever they wish. In this setting it is likely that

a. a male client in a designer suit and a female client in cutoff jeans will sit close together.
b. a Cuban male client in a designer suit and an Asian male client in another brand of designer suit will sit close together.
c. a white female client in a designer outfit and a white male client in a pair of old jeans and an undershirt will sit close together.
d. a male client in a designer suit and a female client in a jogging suit and old tennis shoes with holes in them will sit close together.

Answer 32

A Cuban male client in a designer suit and an Asian male client in another brand of designer suit will sit close together.

Forget the poles of a magnet; in groups “likes” attract. The likelihood is that people who are similar or believe they have “something in common” initially will sit together. Some evidence points to the fact that social class means more than race in terms of group seating.

Question 33

Which statement made by a doctoral-level counselor is illustrative of a leader focused on process rather than product?

a. “Jim seems more relaxed today.”
b. “Sally seems a bit self-critical this evening.”
c. “I hear a lot of sadness in Betty’s voice.”
d. “You wince whenever Jane raises her voice.”

Answer 33

“You wince whenever Jane raises her voice.”

The counselor’s level of education is totally irrelevant. Process focuses on the “process,” or manner in which the communication transpires. All of the other choices focus primarily on the analysis of the client’s material, or what is called “content.”

Question 34

Which statement made by a group leader in a residential center for adolescents focuses on product rather than process?

a. “Ken has not stolen for a week and thus is eligible for supplementary tokens.”
b. “Karen looks down when Bill discusses relationships.”
c. “It sounds like there is a deep sense of hurt….”
d. “Oh, so you fold your arms and sort of close up when Carey
mentions the angry side of your personality.”

Answer 34

“Ken has not stolen for a week and thus is eligible for supplementary tokens.”

Question 35

Groups promote the concept of universality, which suggests that

a. we are unique and so are our problems.
b. there is a universal way to solve nearly any difficulty.
c. a and b.
d. we are not the only ones in the world with a given problem.

Answer 35

We are not the only ones in the world with a given problem.

It is therapeutic just to know that you are not the only person in the world who has a given problem! In this respect the group model has an advantage over individual treatment. There is a likely possibility your exam might substitute the word mutualityforuniversality.

Question 36

In the late 1930s researchers identified three basic leadership styles:

a. directive, nondirective, and semi-passive.
b. autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire.
c. relaxed, anxious, and tense.
d. assertive, nonassertive, and aggressive.

Answer 36

Autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire.

Question 37

The autocratic or authoritarian leader may give orders to the group, while the laissez faire leader

a. assigns a group member as the authoritarian.
b. has a hands-off policy and participates very little, with the
group basically taking responsibility for itself.
c. has the most desirable style of leadership.
d. nearly always run open-ended groups.

Answer 37

Has a hands-off policy and participates very little, with the
group basically taking responsibility for itself.

Question 38

When comparing the autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire styles,

a. the autocratic is the most desirable.
b. the laissez faire is the most desirable.
c. the democratic, or what Sam Gladding called a facilitator, is the most desirable.
d. there is no discernible difference in effectiveness.

Answer 38

The democratic, or what Sam Gladding called a facilitator, is the most desirable.

Question 39

A group with more than one leader is said to utilize coleaders. Coleadership is desirable because

a. the group can go on even if one leader is absent.
b. two leaders can focus on group dynamics better than one leader since two individuals will have better observational
skills.
c. leaders can process their feelings between sessions.
d. all of the above.

Answer 39

All of the above.

Question 40

Coleadership

a. reduces burnout and helps ensure safety.
b. increasesburnout.
c. has no impact on burnout.
d. should not be used for open groups.

Answer 40

Reduces burnout and helps ensure safety.

Question 41

Coleadership

a. is helpful when one leader is experiencing counter- transference.
b. exacerbates the harm of countertransference.
c. has no impact on the issue of countertransference.
d. eliminates all difficulties associated with counter-
transference.

Answer 41

Is helpful when one leader is experiencing counter- transference.

Question 42

Coleadership, also referred to as cofacilitation, can be a disadvantage when

a. leaders are working against each other; this can fragment the group.
b. leaders are intimate with each other.
c. leaders question each other’s competence.
d. all of the above.

Answer 42

All of the above.

Question 43

Coleaders are apt to work at cross purposes when

a. they do not meet between group sessions.
b. they do meet between group sessions.
c. they are master’s-level practitioners.
d. they are doctoral-level practitioners.

Answer 43

They do not meet between group sessions.

Question 44

Gerald Corey, who has written extensively on group therapy, believes ________ is necessary for an effective group leader.

a. a master’s degree in guidance and counseling
b. a doctorate in counselor education
c. participation in a therapeutic group and participation in a
leader’s group (even if the individual is well-educated and
is licensed and certified)
d. three credit hours in a graduate course in group theory

Answer 44

participation in a therapeutic group and participation in a
leader’s group (even if the individual is well-educated and
is licensed and certified)

Question 45

Most experts would agree that an effective adult counseling
group has ________ members.

a. 9 to 12
b. 3 to 5
c. 11 to 16
d. 5 or 6 to 8

Answer 45

5 or 6 to 8

An ideal group would have about eight adults. An adolescent group might be slightly smaller, perhaps five or six members. Some experts feel that a group conducted over a long period of time (say six months) can safely have as many as 10 members.

Question 46

Most experts would agree that an effective counseling group for children has

a. more members than an adult group.
b. less members than an adult group.
c. at least two group leaders.
d. 9 to 12 members.

Answer 46

Less members than an adult group.

Question 47

Although the length of group counseling sessions will vary, most experts would agree that ________ is plenty of time even when critical issues are being examined.

a. three hours per session
b. one hour per session
c. six hours per session
d. two hours per session

Answer 47

Two hours per session

One and a half to two hours is sufficient for adult group work. Longer groups often beget fatigue in the group members. With children, the group leader should note the members’ attention span, which is generally shorter than for adults. Since a children’s group will have shorter sessions, it is often best to rely on more frequent group sessions

Question 48

In terms of group risks

a. an ethical leader will discuss them during the initial session with a client.
b. an ethical leader should never discuss risks with a client.
c. research has demonstrated that the less said about them,
the better the group will interact.
d. an ethical leader allows the group to discover risks and
work through them at their own pace.

Answer 48

An ethical leader will discuss them during the initial session with a client.

Question 49

An adept group leader will

a. attempt to safeguard clients against risks.
b. work to reduce risks and dangers.
c. a and b.
d. let the group handle the dangers on their own.

Answer 49

A and B.

Question 50

A group participant wants to drop out of a group. Since the
group is “closed” most experts would agree that

a. the leader must insist that the client stay.
b. the client is allowed to withdraw.
c. the leader should allow other members to put pressure on
the participant to stay.
d. a and c

Answer 50

The client is allowed to withdraw.

Question 51

During the initial session of a group the leader explains that no smoking and no cursing will be permitted. This is known as

a. setting ground rules.
b. ambivalenttransference.
c. blocking.
d. scapegoating.

Answer 51

Setting ground rules.

Question 52

Group norms refer to

a. a statistically normal group composed of 8 to 12 members.
b. a statistically normal group composed of 12 to 14 members.
c. a normal group with no cultural differences.
d. the range of acceptable behavior within the group.

Answer 52

The range of acceptable behavior within the group.

Question 53

The study of group operations is often called

a. group desensitization.
b. the hot seat technique.
c. group dynamics.
d. structuring the group.

Answer 53

Group dynamics.

Question 54

The word dynamic means the group is

a. normal.
b. always changing.
c. static.
d. defined in an operational manner.

Answer 54

Always changing.

Question 55

Experts firmly believe that a common weakness in many groups is

a. setting too many goals.
b. using a male and a female coleader.
c. that the leader uses a democratic style.
d. a lack of goal setting.

Answer 55

A lack of goal setting.

Question 56

A group leader who utilizes an abundance of group exercises is

a. probably not running an assertiveness training group.
b. is running an unstructured group.
c. is running a structured group.
d. is invariably running a self-help group.

Answer 56

Is running a structured group.

Question 57

Some theorists object to the word unstructured in group work because

a. a group cannot not have structure.
b. only structured groups are effective.
c. unstructured groups are hardly therapeutic.
d. unstructured refers only to counseling and not to therapy
groups.

Answer 57

A group cannot not have structure.

Some research indicates that structured exercises in the initial
stages of the group can facilitate better communication.

Question 58

Some research demonstrates that

a. structured exercises early in the group impaired later communication between group members.
b. structured exercises with feedback early in the group served to improve communication between group members.
c. autocratic or authoritarian leadership styles promote communication best.
d. structured exercises are never appropriate.

Answer 58

Structured exercises with feedback early in the group served to improve communication between group members.

Question 59

In some literature, group cohesiveness, or “we-ness,” is known as

a. group unity.
b. a sociogram.
c. Karpman’striangle.
d. the transition stage.

Answer 59

Group unity.

Question 60

Group members assume roles within a group. Which of the following is not a group role?

a. Energizer.
b. Scapegoat.
c. Gatekeeper.
d. Reactive schizophrenia.

Answer 60

Reactive schizophrenia.

Question 61

A group member who insists on asking other members inappropriate questions is known as a Peeping Tom or

a. an energizer.
b. a scapegoat.
c. an interrogator.
d. a follower.

Answer 61

An Interrogator.

Question 62

The follower goes along with whatever the rest of the group thinks. From a personality standpoint the follower is

a. aggressive.
b. assertive.
c. practicing excitation
d. nonassertive.

Answer 62

Nonassertive.

Question 63

The ________ may secretly wish that he or she was running the
group.

a. follower
b. gatekeeper
c. social isolate
d. harmonizer

Answer 63

Gatekeeper

Question 64

Everybody picks on

a. the gatekeeper.
b. the harmonizer, also known as the conciliator.
c. the scapegoat.
d. the storyteller, the intellectualizer, the attacker, and the
joker.

Answer 64

The scapegoat.

Question 65

A female group member is obviously not participating. A group member playing the ________ is most likely to mention this and urge her to participate.

a. gatekeeper
b. interrogator
c. scapegoat
d. storyteller

Answer 65

Gatekeeper

Question 66

Cohesiveness, or group unity, is desirable. It promotes bonding and a sense of “we-ness” between group members. When cohesiveness is strong, nevertheless, it also can be negative as

a. it can stunt creativity.
b. it can boost conformity.
c. a and b.
d. it can cause the group to split into factions.

Answer 66

A and B.

Question 67

In a healthy group, members

a. assume a role and never change it.
b. have no roles.
c. are flexible and can change roles.
d. spend a great deal of time practicing role reversal.

Answer 67

Are flexible and can change roles.

Question 68

In a group, task roles

a. help solve problems.
b. aid in terms of goal setting and keep the group focused.
c. are seen as positive.
d. all of the above.

Answer 68

All of the above.

Question 69

Maintenance roles, like task roles, are positive since such roles

a. help to maintain the group.
b. areself-serving.
c. help promote autocratic leadership.
d. always stress the importance of the here and now.

Answer 69

Help to maintain the group.

Question 70

Self-serving or individual roles are negative inasmuch as

a. they promote democratic leadership.
b. they work against the group.
c. they serve the individual and not the group.
d. b and c.

Answer 70

B and C.

Self-serving or so-called individual roles are counter- productive.

Question 71

Although task roles and maintenance roles are indeed positive, the group can suffer if the group is not flexible and remains in one or the other role too long since

a. an effective group needs some self-serving roles.
b. if a group gets stuck in task roles, interaction suffers.
c. if a group gets stuck in maintenance roles, little work (or
tasks) will be accomplished.
d. b and c.

Answer 71

B and C.

I believe this clarifies the point made earlier that group members ideally will be flexible and able to change roles.

Question 72

Group specialists define role conflict as

a. tension between two group members who have assumed different roles.
b. a situation in which there is a discrepancy between the way a member is expected to behave and the way he or she actually behaves.
c. tension between the group leader and a group member.
d. members criticizing other members between group
sessions.

Answer 72

A situation in which there is a discrepancy between the way a member is expected to behave and the way he or she actually behaves.

Question 73

A major group dynamic is group development. This is usually
expressed in terms of

a. the number of hours of group conflict.
b. theories of group stages.
c. the Rosenthal effect.
d. the Hawthorne effect.

Answer 73

Theories of group stages.

Question 74

Irvin Yalom is a famous existentialist therapist and a pioneer in the group movement. He suggested these four group stages: orientation, conflict, cohesion, and termination. In 1977 Tuckman and Jensen reviewed 25 years of research and came up with five stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Which stage in Tuckman and Jensen’s paradigm is similar to Yalom’s orientation stage?

a. Forming.
b. Storming.
c. Norming.
d. Performing.

Answer 74

Forming.

Question 75

The final stage suggested by theories of group stages generally deals with issues of

a. group tasks.
b. transition.
c. power and control.
d. separation and termination.

Answer 75

Separation and termination.

Question 76

The initial group stage has been called forming, orientation, or the preaffiliation stage. This stage is characterized by

a. avoidance–avoidance conflicts.
b. a tendency for members to compete with the leader for
power.
c. approach–avoidance behavior.
d. members working on the interpretation of unconscious
behavior.

Answer 76

Approach–avoidance behavior.

Question 77

A client would generally feel the most suspicious of others in

a. the final stage of separation or termination.
b. the intimacy stage.
c. the group formation/exploratory stage.
d. a group with coleadership, also known as cofacilitation.

Answer 77

The group formation/exploratory stage.

Question 78

Fights between subgroups and members showing rebellion against the leader generally occur in

a. the second stage known as the control stage or the transition stage.
b. the first stage known as the orientation stage or formation stage.
c. the separation stage.
d. the intimacy stage.

Answer 78

The second stage known as the control stage or the transition stage.

Garland, Jones, and Kolodny appropriately called stage 2 “power and control.” This is the stage in which the fireworks fly as group members verbally attack one another, not to mention the group
leader.

Question 79

A hierarchy, or pecking order, among members occurs in

a. the stage of storming, also known as the power–control stage.
b. the orientation stage.
c. the separation stage.
d. the intimacy stage.

Answer 79

The stage of storming, also known as the power–control stage.

Question 80

Group planning occurs

a. in the initial stage.
b. in the stage after the transition or conflict stage.
c. in the final stage, also known as the termination stage.
d. before the group begins and continues throughout the life
of the group.

Answer 80

Before the group begins and continues throughout the life
of the group.

Question 81

The final group stage (also called the termination stage) is geared toward

a. developing intimacy.
b. working through power and control issues.
c. exploration.
d. breaking away

Answer 81

Breaking away.

Question 82

A group therapist is constructing a diagram to better understand the dynamics between subgroups and members. This is called

a. sculpturing.
b. ego state analysis.
c. charting a pictorial sociogram.
d. charting the variance.

Answer 82

Charting a pictorial sociogram.

The study of measuring person-to-person relationships regarding what members in a group think or feel is known as “sociometry.” In essence, sociometry is a quantitative study of relationship concerns in a group.

Question 83

A group leader who asks each group member to recapitulate what he or she has learned during a given session is promoting

a. summarization, the act of briefly stating what has transpired or discussed.
b. clarification, the act of making certain that the leader and the group truly understand the key factors related to what a member is attempting to communicate.
c. blocking, the act of putting a halt to a group member’s actions that might have a negative impact on other group members.
d. linking, the act of pointing out similarities between clients.

Answer 83

Summarization, the act of briefly stating what has transpired or discussed.

Summarization, which is also appropriate in individual work, is merely the act of bringing together a number of important thoughts, insights, feelings, or transactions.

Question 84

A leader who wishes to stop inappropriate discussion should rely on

a. summarization.
b. clarification.
c. blocking.
d. linking.

Answer 84

Blocking.

Blocking in groups is very much like blocking a punch in a boxing match. Blocking is used by the leader to stop (or block if you will) a hurtful behavior.

Question 85

When a leader attempts to relate one person’s predicament to another person’s predicament, it is known as

a. summarization.
b. clarification.
c. blocking.
d. linking.

Answer 85

Linking.

When used properly, linking illuminates areas of mutual concern. This often enhances group interaction.

Question 86

Strategies that approach the group as a whole are known as

a. vertical interventions.
b. horizontal interventions.
c. crossed transactions.
d. parallel transactions.

Answer 86

Horizontal interventions.

Question 87

Strategies that focus on an individual member of the group are known as

a. vertical interventions.
b. horizontal interventions.
c. crossed transactions.
d. parallel transactions.

Answer 87

Vertical interventions.

Question 88

A group therapist must make

a. fewer decisions than an individual therapist.
b. the same number of decisions as an individual therapist.
c. modality changes for each group.
d. more decisions than an individual therapist.

Answer 88

More decisions than an individual therapist.

Thus, most experts would agree that it is more difficult to do productive group work than it is individual work. Nevertheless, in many settings the only way to reach all the people who need counseling in a finite period of time is to use group work.

Question 89

When a counselor reads the journals in this field, it becomes evident that

a. group counseling has more research than individual counseling.
b. researchers and practitioners are working very closely to provide accurate and effective group strategies.
c. a researcher/practitioner split exists in group work.
d. no journals focus solely on group work.

Answer 89

A researcher/practitioner split exists in group work.

Practical research about what exactly works best in a group setting is scarce. Moreover, many studies in the field of group work have not been well controlled. In many studies, the independent variable (i.e., the experimental variable) has not been scientifically defined. Say, for example, the independent variable in a study is a “T-group intervention.” This indeed could create a problem since a T-group to leader A might not seem like a T-group to leader B.

Question 90

Experts predict that in the future

a. group leaders will be more like life-skills trainers.
b. group leaders will become more person-centered.
c. group leaders will return to a psychodynamic viewpoint.
d. groups will lose their popularity and eventually die out.

Answer 90

Group leaders will be more like life-skills trainers.

Question 91

According to researchers, groups are effective

a. although researchers cannot pinpoint precisely why this is true.
b. due to increased transference in group work.
c. due to better morale in a group setting.
d. due to the emphasis on cognitive restructuring.

Answer 91

Although researchers cannot pinpoint precisely why this is true.

Question 92

A major limitation related to group work is that

a. REBT cannot be utilized in group therapy.
b. it is not really cost effective.
c. gestalt therapy cannot be used in a group setting.
d. a group leader can lose control and members could
experience emotional harm.

Answer 92

A group leader can lose control and members could
experience emotional harm.

Question 93

A major advantage of group work versus individual work is that

a. members learn to give help in addition to receiving it and group sessions generally cost less (i.e., they are more economical) than individual counseling sessions.
b. the leader has a less complex role than that of an individual counselor.
c. the group leader nearly always possesses more training than an individual counselor.
d. all of the above.

Answer 93

Members learn to give help in addition to receiving it and group sessions generally cost less (i.e., they are more economical) than individual counseling sessions.

Question 94

Which statement best depicts a major advantage of group work?

a. Group work usually focuses on the here and now.
b. Group work is always time limited.
c. Group work is always superior for career counseling.
d. The group setting is somewhat analogous to the
communication and interaction of everyday life.

Answer 94

The group setting is somewhat analogous to the communication and interaction of everyday life.

Question 95

Which of these factors is not delineated by Irvin Yalom as a curative factor?

a. Altruism, universality, and existential learning.
b. Manifest dream content and insight into the unconscious
mind.
c. Catharsis, cohesiveness, and instillation of hope.
d. Imitative behavior and reenactment of family experiences.

Answer 95

Manifest dream content and insight into the unconscious mind.

Yalom is an existential therapist. Choice “b” is psychoanalytic.

Question 96

In terms of research and the group leader’s personality,

a. extroverts are the most effective leaders.
b. introverts are the most effective leaders.
c. qualities such as flexibility, enthusiasm, and common sense
may be helpful to a very small degree.
d. qualities such as flexibility, enthusiasm, and common sense
have a tremendous positive impact.

Answer 96

Qualities such as flexibility, enthusiasm, and common sense
may be helpful to a very small degree.

Question 97

R. K. Conyne suggested that group intervention is intended to

a. ferret out unconscious material.
b. enhance rational self-talk.
c. illuminate dysfunctional nonverbal behavior.
d. prevent, correct, or enhance behavior.

Answer 97

Prevent, correct, or enhance behavior.

Question 98

A group leader who wishes to assess the impact of the group ideally would

a. hand out a written evaluation form during the final session.
b. hold a follow-up session so members can share experiences.
c. have an outside “observer” sit in during group sessions and
consequently rate the level of behavioral change.
d. give each member a pretest and a posttest utilizing a
projective measure.

Answer 98

Have an outside “observer” sit in during group sessions and
consequently rate the level of behavioral change.

Research in the area of group work has been criticized for not using independent observers.

Question 99

A group leader who is counseling children under 10 years of age could best enhance the treatment process by

a. involving parents and asking them for input.
b. keeping the parents uninvolved.
c. reminding the children to speak softly at all times
d. b and c.

Answer 99

Involving parents and asking them for input.

Corey and Corey suggest that parental involvement can reduce resistance and improve cooperation. They also warn counselors not to take sides with a child against a parent or institution.

Question 100

When an adolescent complains about his or her parents in the group it is best to

a. jump on the bandwagon and agree with the child.
b. avoid taking sides but help him or her see the parents’ point of view via a therapeutic technique such as role-
playing.
c. talk only about positive experiences.
d. immediately put the child on the hot seat.

Answer 100

Avoid taking sides but help him or her see the parents’ point of view via a therapeutic technique such as role-
playing.