A leader plans to start a new self-esteem building group. Which intervention would be most helpful for assuring mutual respect within the group?

Question

a. Describe the importance of mutual respect in the first session and make it a group norm.
b. Exclude potential members whose behavior suggests they are likely to be disrespectful.
c. Give members a brochure describing the purpose, norms, and expectations of the group.
d. Explain that mutual respect is expected and confront those who are not respectful.

Answer 1

ANS: A
It is helpful to motivate members to behave respectfully by describing how mutual respect benefits all members and is necessary for the group to be fully therapeutic. Setting a tone and expectation of mutual respect from the outset is the most helpful intervention listed. Excluding members because of how they might behave could exclude members who would have been appropriate, depriving them of the potential benefits of the group. Conveying expectations by brochure is less effective than doing so orally, because it lacks the connection to each member a skilled leader can create to motivate members and impart the expectation of respect. Confronting inappropriate behavior is therapeutic but only addresses existing behavior rather than preventing all such undesired behavior.