Research on groups has been a major focus of concern among psychologists and sociologists for many years. The study of groups certainly deserves a central role in these disciplines since much of our behavior occurs in groups and many important social phenomena involve groups. Issues such as leadership, conformity, group decision-making, group task performance, and coalition formation have had a long history of research. However, recently a number of other areas of research have blossomed that provide interesting new perspectives on group processes (e.g., social impact). In addition, topics of research have developed outside the commonly ac cepted domain of group dynamics (e.g., self-disclosure) which seem to be concerned with rather basic group processes. Basic Group Processes was designed to bring together in one volume a repre sentative sample of the broad range of work currently being done in the area of groups. Some of the chapters provide a review of the literature while others focus more specifically on current programs of research. All, however, provide new insights into basic group processes and a number provide broad integrative schemes. All of the authors were asked to emphasize theoretical issues rather than a detailed presenta tion of research. Basic Group Processes suggests that research on groups is a lively enterprise and forging interesting new theoretical and empirical directions.

Patterns of group behavior and underlying psychological processes are shaped within specific cultural contexts, and cultures emerge in group-based interactions. Culture and Group Processes, the inaugural volume of the Frontiers of Culture and Psychology series, is the first edited book on this rapidly emerging topic.

Designated a Doody's Core Title! "This book provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of group leadership skills, applicable to both therapeutic and work-related groups, alike." Elizabeth McCay, RN, PD Ryerson University "[A] masterful guide that teaches us to gain the most from each group setting. Whether we are in our private practice or involved in a committee, this work gives us an excellent format to follow." William S. Bezmen, PhD, RN, CS Director, Pathways to Health, Holistic Treatment and Education Center "This is an excellent guide for key principles of leadership in managing group dynamics. Each chapter is well designed and supported with prominent research in the area which supports the theory development with current and historical evidence." Score: 97, 5 stars --Doody's Group Leadership Skills provides a solid foundation for using group concepts, theory, and research with a wide variety of groups and group settings. With this book, nurses and health professionals will learn the essential group process skills, including differentiating content from process, working with tension and anxiety, and enhancing cohesiveness. Clark presents practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of group leaders, such as helping groups solve problems and build teams. This edition is now newly expanded to apply to a diverse collection of groups. The strategies and techniques can be used with students, families, staff, codependency groups, depression groups, rape and sexual abuse groups, domestic violence groups, and many more. Key Features: Contains practical strategies for group leaders including conflict resolution, suggested ice-breakers, and discussion questions Includes new "Exercise Simulations" for many chapters, including chapters on working with older adults, focus groups, organizations, and communities Includes new feature, "Clinical Leader Challenges," which asks learners to apply theory and concepts to group situations

Beginning with an overview of the changing world of aging, this book goes on to address practical principles and guidelines for group work.

This book introduces the reader to the approach and general philosophy of the use of art as an additional language in group therapy. It demonstrates the usefulness of the language of art in enabling group therapists and their clients to understand group members' perceptions of constructs and realities.

This practical guide to conducting needs assessments provides: coverage of several approaches for analysig data; a balanced description of qualitative and quantitative methodologies; multiple case studies and examples.

What is it about the multiple dimensions of person, environment, and time that social workers need to understand? How do diversity and inequality play a role in human behavior? How does our biology, spirituality, and psychology impact behavior? And finally, what can we learn about how social institutions, families, groups, organizations and communities impact the vast range of human behaviors? The Third Edition of this powerful text aims to examine these dimensions by expanding on these important questions. In this text, you will meet social workers and clients from a variety of work settings and situations who bring the passion and power of social work to life through engaging case studies found throughout the text. These case studies help apply the latest theory and research to real life practice situations. The Third Edition offers new case studies and is thoroughly updated and revised to reflect recent census data, developing trends, and cutting-edge research on human behavior. New to the Third Edition: ? Added coverage of international issues: Human behavior is put in global context throughout the book. Increased focus on social justice and diversity: More content has been added on human diversity related to gender, race and ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and disability. Engages the reader through a variety of illustrative features: New case studies, exhibits, photos throughout, and Web resources have been added to provide the most up-to-date information.High-Quality Ancillaries!? Student Study Website: Help your students succeed with this new companion student study site at http: //www.sagepub.com/pandestudy/. Students can review chapter highlights and summaries, take practice quizzes, and study via student flash cards on the Web. In addition, students can download podcasts which contain important highlights presented by the author.'? Expanded Instructor?'s Resource CD: New to this edition, instructors can create tests using a new electronic test bank. In addition, this resource cd contains powerpoint slides, teaching tips, suggested classroom activities and more and is available to qualified adopters. IRCDs are available for qualified instructors only. To request an IRCD for this book please contact Customer Care at 1.800.818.7243 (6 am ? 5 pm Pacific Time) or by emailing info@sagepub.com with course name and enrollment and your university mailing address to expedite the process.Intended Audience? This text was developed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on Human Behavior in the Social Environment in departments of social work and psychology. Together with its companion volume, Dimensions of Human Behavior: The Changing Life Course (ISBN: 978-1-4129-4126-6), students will receive the most comprehensive coverage available on Human Behavior. The two volumes are also available at a discounted price as a bundle (ISBN: 978-1-4129-4128-0).

Virtual and Collaborative Teams is of importance to practitioners and researchers because it brings together in a single accessible source, a variety of current research and practice on the subject of virtual and collaborative teams. Geographic distance, technology, lack of social presence, lack of adequate training and lack of instructional resources are just some of the unique challenges faced by virtual teams. This book is a unique resource in that it provides a variety of research and practice from a wide range of disciplines, nationally and internationally. The essays blends theory and practice, encompassing quantitative and qualitative research, case studies, interview research and theoretical models.

Health Administration

This edited collection covers the role of the process observer – a position that enhances the effectiveness of group functioning by observing the process, summarizing the behavior of the group so that the group can learn and, if needed, improve its functioning. There is little guidance on best practices for this role, and in most settings, process observers are forced to rely on whatever previous training they have received in group work to fulfil their role. The first of its kind, this book offers a wealth of resources for the role of group process observer organized in a systematic way. Each contributor focuses on a specific aspect of group process observation, identifying what is currently known on the topic, suggesting best practices, and providing the reader with tools, structures, and guidelines for effective process observation. Students and educators of group-work courses will find this book integral as it covers the existing gap in literature on group-process observation.