Spring 2026 SOWK 487w Week 08 - Understanding Social Work Groups

A presentation at Heritage University in March 2026 by Jacob Campbell and is tagged with Heritage University, BASW Program, SOWK 487w

A presentation slide shows a presentation board displaying 'Understanding Social Work Groups.' A speech bubble states 'Heritage University, Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' and 'Spring 2026 SOWK 487 Theories of Practice II.'

Animals are positioned on a world map, illustrating diverse wildlife from different regions. A text box asks, 'If you were to describe your day today as an animal, what animal would you it be today and why?'

The image shows a presentation slide with the title 'AGENDA.' It lists topics: 'Family Treatment Modality Research Presentations,' 'Overview of working with groups,' 'Practice with a development group,' 'Group dynamics and roles,' and 'Working in a circle activity.' It notes 'Heritage University,' and 'Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW.' The bottom right reads 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.'

Slide features the title 'Family Treatment Modality Research Presentations.' Footer notes 'Heritage University,' 'Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' and 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.' Background is plain and light gray.

The slide features a 'Fight Club' movie poster alongside text: 'Social Work & Groups: What are groups used for in social work practice?' Bottom text includes, 'Heritage University, Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' and 'Spring 2026 SOWK 487w.'

Slide displays the title 'WORKING WITH GROUPS' and the bold word 'Groups?'. Below is the text: 'A group is a collection of people with shared interests who come together to pursue a goal.' Bottom left reads 'Heritage University Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW' and bottom right 'Spring 2026 SOWK 487w'.

The image features a presentation slide. At the top, an Einstein quote on cooperation. Below, a section titled 'Benefits of Groups' lists mutual assistance, connecting, testing behaviors, goal achievement, and decision making. Additional details include 'Heritage University,' 'Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' '(Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2015),' and 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.'

Text describes various 'Types of Groups' related to 'Treatment Groups,' including support, educational, growth, therapy, and socialization groups. It cites 'Hepworth et al., 2023' and includes course and author details.

Two columns list group types: 'Treatment Groups' includes support, educational, growth, therapy, and socialization groups. 'Self-Help Groups' includes 12 Step, support, and online self-help groups. Title: 'Types of Groups.'

Chart comparing 'Treatment Groups' and 'Task Groups.' Treatment includes support, educational, growth, therapy, and socialization groups. Task is represented by a concentric circles diagram labeled 'Community,' 'Organization,' 'Client.' Text: 'Heritage University, Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w,' '(Hepworth et al., 2023).'

A slide titled 'Types of Groups' displays two columns: 'Treatment Groups' (Support, Educational, Growth, Therapy, Socialization) and 'Task Groups' (Board, Task Forces, Committees, etc.). Context: Presentation by Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW, Heritage University, Spring 2026, SOWK 487w. (Hepworth et al., 2023).

Silhouettes of four people sitting and talking describe group dynamics. Text details 'GROUP DEMO' with steps: review rules, check-in question, engaging activity, work on a topic. 'Heritage University' noted.

A presentation slide lists characteristics of treatment, self-help, and task groups. Categories include group characteristic, formation, facilitator, roles, communication, procedures, composition, self-disclosure, confidentiality, and evaluation. Text credits sources and provides course information.

A presentation slide compares characteristics of treatment, self-help, and task groups. It lists reasons for formation and facilitation methods. Text includes: 'Heritage University,' 'Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' 'Spring 2026,' 'SOWK 487w.'

Slide presents a table comparing group roles and communication patterns for treatment, self-help, and task groups. Text includes: 'Develop organically' and 'Focused on specific task.' Context: educational presentation.

Chart comparing Treatment, Self-Help, and Task Groups. Procedures are flexible or formal for Treatment and Self-Help, but structured for Task. Group composition is based on concerns or expertise. Sources and course details included.

The slide presents a table comparing characteristics of treatment, self-help, and task groups, focusing on self-disclosure and confidentiality. It's titled 'Characteristics of Treatment, Self-Help, and Task Groups.' Key points include:- **Self-disclosure** is expected to be high in treatment and self-help groups, low in task groups.- **Confidentiality**: Treatment and self-help groups keep content private; task group content may be public.Footer notes include:- **Heritage University**- **Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW**- **Reference**: (Toseland & Rivas, 2017, as cited in Hepworth et al., 2023)- **Spring 2026, SOWK 487w**

Chart compares characteristics of group types: treatment, self-help, task. Evaluation of success varies by goals met, group survival, or task accomplishment. Includes references and attribution to Heritage University.

Slide features a diagram titled 'Professional Roles in Groups,' highlighting roles: Broker, Mediator, Educator, Facilitator around central 'Group' box, with 'Multiple Roles.' Presented by Jacob Campbell, Heritage University.

The slide presents 'Group Functions & Roles' with categorized roles: 'Potentially Positive Roles' and two groups—Task and Maintenance Functions—linked by arrows. Text includes 'Heritage University' and 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.'

The slide presents two lists under 'Negative and Nonfunctional Roles.' The left lists roles like 'Aggressor' and 'Blocker,' while the right lists 'Scapegoat' and 'Internal leader.' It includes references and course details at the bottom.

**Object:** Slide on group behavior**Action:** presents a comparison**Context:** Left side lists 'Constructive Group Behavior' emphasizing communication and open decision-making. Right side details 'Problematic Group Behavior' highlighting superficial discussions and dominance. Includes references: Heritage University, Jacob Campbell, Ph.D., LICSW, and Hepworth et al., 2023, Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.

**Objects**: List, text**Action**: Describes constructive and problematic group behaviors**Context**: Presentation slide with two columns detailing behaviors, including feedback, communication, norms, problem-solving, and emotional support.---### Key Text Details:**Constructive Group Behavior**:- Recognize/give feedback on strengths and growth- Use 'I' messages- Guidelines become norms- Work through impairments- Attend to needs/give support**Problematic Group Behavior**:- Critical of differences- Indirect communication- Distracting/disruptive actions- Avoids addressing problems- Limited awareness/engagement---**References**: - Heritage University- Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW- (Hepworth et al., 2023)- Spring 2026 | SOWK 487w

A large arrow diagram illustrates a flow from 'Content' (orange square), to 'Process' (red arrow), to 'Thematic Behaviors' (circular arrows). The title reads 'Assessing Individuals' Patterned Behaviors.' Additional text: 'Heritage University, Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW' and 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.'

A slide titled 'Group Dynamics and Composition' features an orange oval labeled 'Group Culture' with components 'Norms,' 'Climate,' 'Power,' and 'Values.' A sidebar lists 'Group Size Composition' factors: 'Age, Gender, Homogeneity.' It's from Heritage University, Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.

A presentation slide features 'Decision Making Patterns' text at the center, surrounded by terms like 'Persuasion by Minority' and 'Consensus.' The context includes academic details like 'Heritage University' and 'Spring 2026 SOWK 487w.'

An arrow graph displays 'Critical Thinking' on the vertical axis and 'Heterogeneity' on the horizontal axis. Context includes text: 'CRITICAL THINKING AND GROUPS.' Additional details: 'Heritage University, Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW,' '(Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2015),' 'Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.' Lower left shows 'Understanding Social Work Groups.'

A QR code is displayed prominently. The text reads 'PLEASE TAKE MIDTERM FEEDBACK.' It’s a slide from a presentation for 'Understanding Social Work Groups,' by Jacob Campbell, Ph.D., Heritage University, Spring 2026, SOWK 487w.

Portrait style photo of Jacob Campbell

Dr. Jacob Campbell

28 slides

Description

In week six, we transitioned to from working with families to working with groups for the rest of the semester. We spent time looking at online groups and last week I was sick for presentation. We will do presentations this week. Students also will read Hepworth et al. (2023) and content focused on understanding the foundation of social work groups. It provides a strong understanding of the various groups we will discuss for the rest of the semester. This session is designed to help orient us to group work, dynamics, and general processes. The agenda is as follows:

Family Treatment Modality Research Presentations
Overview of working with groups
Practice with a development group
Group dynamics and roles
Working in a circle activity