Week 1: Introduction to Groups

Question 1

What is a group?

Answer 1

• gathering of 2+ people based upon a common goal
• dynamic interaction –> needs to be a connection between members
• it is NOT a random mix of people!

Question 2

What is a therapeutic group?

Answer 2

formalized process where there is a goal, and there is an expected change in knowledge, skills, or personal beliefs

Question 3

Why do we use groups (x5)?

Answer 3

1. promotes social interaction
2. achieve outcomes that rely on the group and group processes
3. convient in settings with all the same client population
4. cost-effective
5. effective for therapeutic uses

Question 4

What are Yalom’s 11 Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 4

1. universality
2. catharsis
3. imitative behaviour
4. instillation of hope
5. imparting information
6. social learning
7. interpersonal learning
8. group cohesiveness
9. Altruisim
10. corrective recapitulation of the primary family group
11. existential factors

Question 5

What is “universality” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 5

sense that a person is not alone and that others in the group have similar experiences

Question 6

What is “catharsis” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 6

release of strong or repressed emotions within the context of the safe group environment

Question 7

What is “imitative behaviour” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 7

watch and copy behaviours in the group environment that help one to achieve desired goals

Question 8

What is “instillation of hope” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 8

opportunity to develop hope based on the other’s sense of hope, as well as witnessing success stories in the group

Question 9

What is “imparting information” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 9

information gleaned from both leader and members that can be used to support health and wellness

Question 10

What is “social learning” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 10

learn by watching others in the group say and do and the consequences associated with those actions and verbalizations

Question 11

What is “Interpersonal learning” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 11

opportunity to interact with others in the group and learn ways of interacting that are most effective to support social participation

Question 12

What is “group cohesiveness” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 12

sense of “we-ness” or togetherness that can be developed within the group

Question 13

What is “Altruism” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 13

opportunity to help others and give back within the context of the group

• often in the form of advice for or sharing with others

Question 14

What is “corrective recapitulation of the primary family group” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 14

members of the group may remind you of family members with whom you had an insecure attachment or unhealthy relationship

• groups offer the opprountity to engage with these members in a new way that supports growth and healing those family of origin wounds

Question 15

What is “existential factors” in Yaloms Curative/Therapeutic Factors of groups?

Answer 15

questions we all have like “why me?” or “what is life about?” can be discussed in a safe and supportive group environment

Question 16

What did groups initially start for in OT?

Answer 16

promoting the moral treatment of patients

Question 17

What common characteristics are there of an OT group (x4)?

Answer 17

• small (6-10 members)
• occupation focused
• focus on increasing performance or specific skills for participation
• directed at increasing skills for daily living

Question 18

What are the advantages to OT groups?

Answer 18

• provide an occupation-based experience
• natural environment for social support, teaching, and learning
• provide opportunities for group members to excel
• group can be empowered with shared leadership
• cost-effective

Question 19

What are the 3 parts to transformative change within OT groups?

Answer 19

1. doing
2. interpersonal connection
3. here and now

Question 20

Through transformative change in OT groups, what is enhanced in the clients (x4)?

Answer 20

-self-esteem
- sense of belonging
- development of skills
- positive emotions

Question 21

What are some important considerations to make when forming groups in OT?

Answer 21

1. provide interventions that are right for client at the right time
2. use activity analysis in design of group
3. know client’s goals and current functional capacity
4. consider client’s psychological needs
5. consider number of participants
6. complexity of individuals engaged in the group
7. group interventions are directed towards group goals that meet individuals needs

Question 22

What are 3 types of leadership?

Answer 22

1. democratic (facilitative)
2. authoritarian (directive)
3. laissez-faire (“hands-off)

Question 23

What are 4 client perceptions of important leadership functions to have?

Answer 23

1. emotional activation
2. caring
3. meaning attribution
4. executive functioning

Question 24

what are group norms?

Answer 24

shared expectancy of what is appropriate

• made explicitly
• for groups that are long term, involve risk, or personal investment for people and/or deal with personal issues

Question 25

What is an activity analysis?

Answer 25

Process of examining the steps, actions, and skills required to complete a given activity

Question 26

What is an occupational profile?

Answer 26

description of a client's story (getting EVERYTHING about them appropriate for the case)

Question 27

What is an activity configuration?

Answer 27

Designing, arranging, or shaping an activity considering the relationship between its elements and components

Question 28

What is activity synthesis?

Answer 28

○ Combining separate elements to form a coherent whole specific to the person ○ involves using all known information to develop the best plan for a client within the given context - requires that practitioners understand all aspects of the activity and the dynamic nature of practice

Question 29

What is an activity match?

Answer 29

The process of finding an appropriate activity that allows the client to be successful and motivated

Question 30

What's the difference between an occupation, activity, and task?

Answer 30

occupation=Meaningful and everyday things in which people engage that give meaning and identity, defined by the person, important to one's self (self-care, productivity, leisure) Ex: Holly finds running meaningful, therefore running is an occupation activity = Purposeful and meaningful but it may not be central to one's identity, results in a product Ex: to help Holly achieve her occupation of running, activities that we can do include buying running shoes, signing up for races, eating well task = Basic actions required to complete activities or occupations Ex: The tasks Holly needs to do to accomplish occupation include posture, endurance, flexion and extension of LE

Question 31

What is the difference between grading and adapting an activity?

Answer 31

Grading - Changing the requirements of the activity by changing the task requirements or steps involve - More difficult or not - Ex: may grade an activity by requiring the client to complete only the last step Adapting Changes the degree of difficulty by using alternative materials or steps

Question 32

What is included in the activity demands?

Answer 32

Includes: - Relevance and importance of the activity - objects used and their properties - Space demand - Social demands - Sequencing and timing demands - Required actions and performance skills - Required body functions - Required body structures