Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of groups

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Potential benefits and limitations of groups.
a. Benefits
i. Group members realizing that they are not alone, unique, or abnormal in their problems and concerns
ii. Group members learning more about themselves in social situations
iii. Group members trying out new behaviors and ways of interacting in a safe environment and receive feedback
iv. Group members observing how others resolve problems
v. Group members seeking individual counseling or methods for attaining personal goals
b. Limitations
i. Many concerns and personalities not well suited for groups
ii. Group pressure may force a client into action, such as self-disclosure, before he or she is ready
iii. Group members' problems may not be adequately dealt with
iv. Potential for groups to lapse into groupthink mentality
v. May be used as an escape or for selfish purposes and thereby disrupt the group process
vi. Difficulty in accommodating different schedules
vii. Groups may become regressive and engage in nonproductive and even destructive behaviors such as scapegoating, group narcissism, and projection (McClure, 1994)