The Life Cycle Of Groups

Arturo Ezquerro and María Cañete present a captivating journey through human development, group lives and group attachment from infancy all the way into old age. Co-constructed with meticulous anthropological, psychosocial, cultural and clinical research, as well as true, stirring stories and insights which contain a rare blend of common sense and inspiration, this book offers an exciting new outlook on attachment and group analysis. Group Analysis throughout the Life Cycle first assesses psychosocial, peer group and other group developmental studies, within a broad evolutionary and cultural context, looking into changes and constancies, continuities and discontinuities, as well as overlaps that occur throughout each developmental stage. It then presents a thorough review of psychoanalytic, group-analytic and wider group literature. The book concludes with a consideration of qualitative group-analytic research which examines clinical group phenomena that can be present in all age groups, as well as distinct phase-specific characteristics and developmental tasks, as they find expression in the therapeutic process. Presented with frankness, self-reflective thinking and compassion, Group Analysis throughout the Life Cycle will be essential reading for psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, group analysts, psychiatrists and other professionals in practice and in training. It will also appeal to healthcare professionals interested in human development and attachment theory.

The authors reveal the ways in which mutual aid processes help individuals overcome social and emotional trauma in contemporary society by reducing isolation, universalizing individual problems, and mitigating stigma. New chapters in this completely revised and updated third edition illustrate the power of mutual aid processes in dealing with children traumatized by the events of September 11, adult survivors of sexual abuse, parents with developmentally challenged children, people with AIDS in substance recovery, and mentally ill older adults.

The contributors to this volume examine the role of mutual aid groups and social workers in helping members of oppressed, vulnerable, and resilient populations regain control over their lives. The chapters reveal the ways in which mutual aid processes help individuals overcome social and emotional trauma in contemporary society by reducing isolation, universalizing individual problems, and mitigating stigma. Using the life cycle as a framework the editors establish a theoretical model for practice and demonstrate how social workers as group leaders can foster the healing and empowering process of mutual aid. The contributors also consider the fundamentals of the mutual aid process, the institutional benefits of group service, and specific clinical examples of mutual aid groups. Each chapter offers detailed case materials that illustrate both group work skills and developmental issues for a variety of populations and settings, including HIV-positive and AIDS patients, the homeless, and perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse and family violence. New chapters in this completely revised and updated third edition illustrate the power of mutual aid processes in dealing with children traumatized by the events of September 11, adult survivors of sexual abuse, parents with developmentally challenged children, people with AIDS in substance recovery, and mentally ill older adults.

Research on small groups is highly diverse because investigators who study such groups vary in their disciplinary identifications, theoretical interests, and methodological preferences. The goal of this volume is to capture that diversity, and thereby convey the breadth and excitement of small group research by acquainting students with work on five fundamental aspects of groups. The volume also includes an introductory chapter by the editors which provides an overview of the history of and current state-of-the-art in the field. Together with introductions to each section, discussion questions and suggestions for further reading, make the volume ideal reading for senior undergraduate and graduate students interested in group dynamics.