This text is a revision of a “classic” text in group social work. The author is one of the best-known individuals in this field; he has published over 50 journal articles, most of them dealing with group work, and is the co-author of several other texts (Interpersonal Practice in Social Work, with Brett Seabury, and Social Work in Contemporary Society, with John Tropman). His previous editions are respected for their emphasis on group work with oppressed populations, incorporation of small group theory, the use of a typology of group work practice that enables the reader to use it in many settings, and their grounding in research findings. This new edition incorporates more feminist theory and diversity issues throughout the text and in Chapter 15. A new chapter, Chapter 6, Enhancing the Member's Use of Therapeutic Factors in Groups, reflects increasing interest in research on therapeutic factors in groups. Examples are incorporated throughout the text to help students see how to apply group work principles. A special Application Exercise at the end of most chapters helps students to reflect on and apply what they have learned.

Table of Contents:
Each chapter ends with “Summary.” 1.  Contemporary Group Work: An Overview. The Organizational and Environmental Approach. Differing Approaches to Practice. Influences Beyond Social Work. Similarities and Differences Among Approaches. 2.  Group Work Activities and Settings. The Significance of the Agency. Group Work History. Agency Conditions That Affect Group Work. A Typology of Agency Purposes. 3.  The Pregroup Phase. Group Purposes. Group Composition. Preparing for Groups. 4.  Beginning a Group. Process of Group Formation. Decisions on Group Purpose. Assessment in Groups. Determination on Norms. Emotional Reactions to Group Formation. Relationship of Group Worker to Members. Relationships Among Members. Group Structure During Formation. Individual and Group Goals. The Group Work Contract. Problems in Group Beginnings. 5.  Achieving Group Purposes Through Changes in Group Conditions. Actions of the Group Worker. Assessment of Group Conditions. The Modification of Group Conditions. 6.  Enhancing the Member's Use of Therapeutic Factors in Groups. The Concept of Therapeutic Factors. Categories of Therapeutic Factors. The Use of Therapeutic Factors in Group Work. 7.  Achieving Individual Change in Groups. One-to-One Interactions. Group Interventions on Behalf of Individuals. Phases of Individual Change. Environmental Interactions. 8.  Group Work and Environmental Change. Rationale for Environmental Change. Selection of Environmental Targets. Strategies for Environmental Change. 9.  The Evaluation of Group Work Practice. Evaluation of Individual Change of Group Members. Evaluation of Changes in Group Conditions. Evaluation of Environmental Changes. 10.  The Group and Endings. Meanings of Endings. Worker Tasks. Evaluation. Understand and Cope with Feelings. Maintain Changes. Utilize Skills in a Variety of Circumstances. Utilize New Services. Reduce Cohesion. Ceremonies. Special Termination Issues. 11.  Working with Groups for Identity Development. Pregroup Tasks. Group Formation Tasks. Goal Pursuit Tasks. Evaluation. An Example. 12.  Working with Groups to Enhance Skill Attainment. Pregroup Tasks. Group Formation Tasks. Goal Pursuit Tasks. Evaluation. An Example. 13.  Working with Groups in Social Control Situations. Pregroup Tasks. Group Formation Tasks. Goal Pursuit Tasks. Evaluation. An Example. 14.  Working with Groups for Rehabilitation. Pregroup Tasks. Group Formation Tasks. Goal Pursuit Tasks. Evaluation. An Example. 15.  Working with Oppressed People in Groups. Pregroup Tasks. Group Formation Tasks. Goal Pursuit Tasks. Evaluation. An Example. 16.  Working with Committees and Other Task Groups. Pregroup Tasks. Group Formation Tasks. Goal Pursuit Tasks. Evaluation. An Example. Bibliography. Index.