Mosey’s 5 Types of Developmental Groups in Occupational Therapy

Anne C. Mosey, PhD, OT, FAOTA (1938–2017), is a pioneer in occupational therapy, known for establishing a theoretical foundation for the profession. Her work on Developmental Groups has become a cornerstone in understanding how individuals develop social interaction skills in group settings.

Mosey identified 5 developmental group levels that mirror the way children learn to interact and collaborate, progressing from basic to advanced group dynamics. These groups help occupational therapists evaluate and enhance their clients’ ability to function in different group environments.

The 5 Types of Developmental Groups

1. Parallel Group
   Focus: Developing awareness of others while performing individual tasks.
   Key Example: Group members engage in activities side by side, such as drawing or watching a movie, with minimal interaction.
2. Project Group
   Focus: Short-term collaboration to achieve a common task, to encourage cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
   Key Example: Completing a puzzle together while learning to cooperate and share responsibilities.
3. Egocentric-Cooperative Group
   Focus: Collaborative task completion while respecting individual roles.
   Key Example: Group members work together to make a meal, dividing tasks and communicating effectively.
4. Cooperative Group
   Focus: Sharing emotions, challenges, and mutual experiences.
   Key Example: A grief support group where participants openly share memories and feelings.
5. Mature Group
   Focus: Achieving a task with balanced roles and group dynamics.
   Key Example: A community group that plans and executes an event, prioritizing the group’s needs over individual desires.

Mosey’s Leadership Styles

These leadership styles ensure that group members receive appropriate guidance as they progress from minimal interaction to mature collaboration.

Why Are Developmental Groups Important in Occupational Therapy?

• Enhancing Social Interaction: Groups mimic real-life interactions, enabling clients to develop essential communication and teamwork skills.
• Task-Oriented Goals: Activities such as puzzles, group discussions, or shared tasks help clients build problem-solving abilities.
• Progressive Skill Building: Starting with individual tasks (Parallel) and progressing to shared goals (Mature) mirrors normal developmental stages.

Take the Next Step Toward OT Mastery

Understanding Mosey’s developmental groups is crucial for mastering occupational therapy concepts and acing the NBCOT® exam. Our comprehensive course provides:

• In-depth explanations of all 5 developmental group levels.
• Real-life examples and case studies for better understanding.
• Practice quizzes and interactive content to solidify knowledge.

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