Handbook of Social Work With Groups
Contents: Introduction/Charles D. Garvin, Lorraine M. Gutierrez and Maeda J. Galinsky. I. Theoretical and philosophical foundations: 1. Group dynamics/Ronald W. Toseland, Lani V. Jones and Zvi D. Gellis. 2. An ecological-systems perspective/John E. Tropman. 3. Social group work in a global context/Nazneen S. Mayadas, Rebecca Smith and Doreen Elliott. 4. An empowerment perspective/Margot Breton. 5. Ethics and values in group work/Helen Northen. II. Group practice models: principal foundations: 6. The Mutual aid model/Alex Gitterman. 7. Cognitive-behavioral group work/Sheldon D. Rose. III. Group work approaches related to purpose: 8. Support and self-help groups/Linda Farris Kurtz. 9. Psychoeducational groups/Roger Roffman. 10. Prevention groups/James K. Nash and Susie E. Snyder. IV. Group work approaches related to setting: 11. Groups in physical and mental health/George S. Getzel. 12. Involuntary groups/Ronald Rooney and Michael Chovanec. 13. Strengths-based group work with children and adolescents/Andrew Malekoff. 14. Group work in child welfare/Barbara Rittner. 15. Groups for substance abuse treatment/Maurice S. Fisher. 16. Groups for older adults/Ruth Campbell. 17. Groups for reducing intergroup conflict/David Bargal. V. Group work in organizational and community settings: 18. Assessing and strengthening characteristics of effective groups in community-based participatory research partnerships/Amy J. Schulz, Barbara A. Israel and Paula Lantz. 19. Participatory research, popular education, and popular theater: contributions to group work/Janet L. Finn, Maxine Jacobson and Jillian Dean Campana. 20. Social action groups/Lee H. Staples. 21. Accessing resources, transforming systems: group work with poor and homeless people/E. Summerson Carr. 22. Group process dynamics and skills in interdisciplinary teamwork/Julie S. Abramson and Laura R. Bronstein. 23. Group work with working groups/Paul H. Ephross and Thomas V. Vassil. 24. From agency client to community-based consumer: the family group conference as a consumer-led group in child welfare/Gale Burford and Joan Pennell. VI. Group work research and evaluation: 25. Very good solutions really do exist for group work research design problems/Aaron M. Brower, Robin G. Arndt and Annemarie Ketterhagen. 26. Measurement issues/Randy Magen. 27. Evaluation of group work/Larry M. Gant. VII. The uses of technology to create groups: 28. Technology-mediated groups/Andrea Meier. Author index. Subject index.
"This comprehensive handbook describes current approaches to working with groups in many different settings and for a variety of purposes. Leading social work practitioners and scholars outline influential theories of group work and address contemporary issues in planning and implementing interventions. The volume's authoritative exploration of theoretical, practical and methodological concerns--coupled with a clear focus on empowerment and multi-culturalism-make it an indispensable, up-to-date reference and text.
The Handbook begins with an introductory section on theoretical and philosophical foundations, reviewing salient ideas and findings from across the social and behavioral sciences. Next, chapters present established and emerging group work approaches in all the major practice fields--mental health, prevention, child welfare, substance abuse, aging, corrections, and more-as well as applications with community groups, groups in agencies, and policymaking groups. Illustrated are the ways groups are used to help people: Address personal problems. Cope with disabilities. Strengthen families and communities. Navigate life transitions. Obtain needed resources and support. Improve organizational functioning. Achieve social change.
For each approach, authors provide practical, how-to-do-it information; review the relevant professional literature; assess the approach from the standpoint of empowerment; and consider the applicability of principles and methods for work with diverse populations. Extensive information on research issues is also presented, with separate chapters devoted to evaluating group work practice and solving common problems in research design. Other topics covered include the uses of the Internet and other technologies in extending group work opportunities beyond traditional settings.
Surveying the breadth of current knowledge in the field, this volume is an essential resource for social work practitioners, supervisors, educators, researchers, and students. It serves as a uniquely informative text for undergraduate and graduate-level courses in direct practice, group work, advanced practice, social work administration and community organization." (jacket)
