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5 Types of Developmental Groups

Anne C. Mosey, PhD, OT, FAOTA (1938–2017), is known worldwide as an occupational therapy pioneer in the development and articulation of a cohesive configuration of occupational therapy as a profession, including its philosophical base, theoretical base, and applied knowledge base.

Mosey saw groups as a place for evaluating and developing clients’ social interaction skills. Thus, she termed them, Developmental Groups. She conceived them to be hierarchical and identified 5 types of groups corresponding to the five levels of social skill development. The 5 developmental groups have the purpose of assisting clients in learning group interaction skills. Mosey’s groups repeat the normal sequence in which children learn to interact in groups.

Developmental groups are task-oriented groups in which common experiences in normal development are imitated.

Mosey’s 5 Developmental Group Levels

1. Parallel (18 months–2 years)
2. Project (2–4 years)
3. Egocentric cooperative (5–7 years)
4. Cooperative (9–12 years) 
5. Mature (15–18 years)

 

Mosey’s Developmental Group Leadership Styles 

Mosey suggested a multilevel approach to the leadership of occupational therapy groups. She defined five developmental levels for assisting people in learning group interaction skills. 

SUMMARY

Group Level                            Leadership style
 1. Parallel                                    Directive leadership
 2. Project                                     Modified directive
 3. Egocentric-Cooperative           Facilitative leadership
 4. Cooperative                             Advisory leadership
 5. Mature                                     Participatory leadership

 

DEVELOPMENTAL GROUPS

Type of Group Definition Key Element to Therapeutic Approach/Environment Role of the Therapist Examples
1. Parallel Group A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks. Members in parallel groups need to be able to appreciate and accept each other. Each member will work on their own task while in the presence of the other members. OT will need to continually encourage and support targeted behaviors. The OT provides complete leadership for the group. This includes creating and maintaining boundaries and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Directive Leadership

 A group of patients in a drug rehab program take part in an art class. Each individual works on their own painting or drawing but the group leader may facilitate discussions and interactions between the group members.

A group of patients in a long-term care facility watch a movie together. In this scenario, the goal is for the patients to have an awareness of others and to share a space with one another.
2. Project Group A Project Group is brought together for a short time to complete a small projects while cooperating with group members. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT will encourage cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing. The OT presents the short task (usually less than 30 mins) and assists the group members if they need it. It is important for the OT to encourage competition in a safe environment.

Directive Leadership

 A group of patients in an assisted living community is divided into smaller groups to complete puzzles. Whichever small group completes their puzzle first will win a small prize.

A group of patients in a mental health facility play a game of Scrabble. This provides them with the opportunity for group interaction around a task, and for a balance of cooperative and competitive experiences.
3. Egocentric-Cooperative  Group Group members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting. The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete while each maintaining their rights as a member. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset. In this type of group the OT functions as a facilitator. OT makes suggestions but encourages the group members to create and carry out their plan. OT should encourage group members to be engaged and respectful.

Facilitative Leadership

 A group of young men and women with Down’s Syndrome come together to have a pizza party. They must work together to make the pizzas for the party. The OT suggest that the group members divide up the project into smaller tasks and work together to accomplish each task. Each group member is encouraged to use their cooking skills, communicate with the group, and take turns doing different tasks. When the pizzas are done, the group gets to enjoy them together.

A group of women who are residing in a shelter attend an assertiveness training group. The goal is for each women to identify themselves as a group member with rights, to respect the rights of the other members’ needs and to ultimately gain satisfaction from participating in the group experience.
4. Cooperative Group A Cooperative Group provides an environment for group members to openly share emotions, challenges and shared intentions. This type of group is about sharing and listening. The OT should not focus on completing a goal or changing behavior. The goal is simply to gain the satisfaction of a mutual experience. In this type of group the OT acts more like a guide instead of a strong leader. The OT shares responsibility for the group with the group members.

Advisory Leadership

 A group of adult children who have all lost a parent, gather together to share something that helps them remember their parent. Some members share a song, or a picture, others just recount a memory of their parent. The group focuses on expressing difficult emotions and supporting each other.

A group of patients in a substance abuse rehab program participate in a discussion on contemporary art. These patients have been grouped together as they have common interests and are therefore compatible. The goal is to provide an opportunity for the patients to share their thoughts, feelings and values. For them to gain pleasure and satisfaction from this shared experience.
5. Mature Group A Mature Group focuses on the accomplishment of a specific task in a limited amount of time. The completion of the task is more important than the group member’s individual needs. The goal is to help the group members identify roles within the group and to function well within those roles. A group member will need to be willing to prioritize the needs of the group over their own desires. In this type of group the OT functions only as a group member. The OT acts as a consultant. The group should function independently.

 Participatory Leadership

 A group of recovering addicts in a transitional housing unit work together to clean their living space or cook a meal.

A group of stroke survivors start a community stroke support group. The goal is for the function of the group and the group’s needs to have priority over the needs of the individual members of the group. This will allow the individual patient to put aside their needs for the betterment of the group and to help the group accomplish its goal. There is a balance between task accomplishment and the satisfaction of the group members’ needs.

 

 

Reference: Psychosocial Conceptual Practice Models in Occupational Therapy
By Moses N. Ikiugu, Elizabeth A. Ciaravino

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