WU Evaluating Group Therapy Effectiveness Discussion Replies

Respond to two colleagues who selected a different form of evaluation.

• Compare the effectiveness of your method of evaluation to your colleague’s.
• Collapse SubdiscussionCaitlyn A BullertCaitlyn A Bullert (She/Her)MondayNov 6 at 5:39pm

  A characteristic I would look for in the participants is the achievement of the goals of the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Did it help improve the issues they came there for such as depression or anxiety? They could use goal attainment scaling to show the results of goals attained by individuals or the group as a whole (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). This could allow the group to see how they did in achieving their goals. The pressing problem index is a variation on the goal attainment scaling to show the effectiveness of the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Participants are asked to rate the problems that are occurring during each group session.We could also look at the dropout rate of the group. A prevailing issue in group therapy, and a major barrier to its effectiveness, is client dropout (Robertson, Cruwys, Stevens, & Platow, 2023). A recent systematic review estimated average dropout rate in group therapy at 16% (Lewis et al., 2020), while some studies have reported rates as high as 45% (Jørgensen et al., 2021). Looking at the dropout rate for the first few sessions may also be a good predictor of the effectiveness of the group.A group that can achieve the goals of each participant would be a good way to rate the effectiveness. Each member has reasons for being in the group so checking in with them each session to find out if there are any improvements from the last session would be important. It can also show the participants what they have achieved. Seeing the progress on paper could help in other areas such as boosting confidence and lessening anxiety when they see the improvements in their life. The dropout rate of the group may also have lessons in the effectiveness of the group. It may cause early termination of the group if too many people leave.ReferencesJørgensen, M. S., Bo, S., Vestergaard, M., Storebø, O. J., Sharp, C., & Simonsen, E. (2021). Predictors of dropout among adolescents with borderline personality disorder attending mentalization-based group treatment. Psychotherapy Research, 31(7), 950–961. 10.1080/10503307.2020.1871525Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Gibson, S., & Bisson, J. I. (2020). Dropout from psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), Article 1709709. 10.1080/20008198.2019.1709709Robertson, A. M., Cruwys, T., Stevens, M., & Platow, M. J. (2023). A social identity approach to facilitating therapy groups. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1037/cps0000178Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

• Chloe Roberts TuesdayNov 7 at 3:41pm

  Describe what characteristics you would look for in group participants to determine the effectiveness of the group’s termination. How will you measure those characteristics? In order to determine the effectiveness of a group’s termination, I would need to observe individual characteristics such as the behaviors and outcomes of group participants. In addition, I would also need to consider group roles and dynamics which involves observing characteristics including communication patterns and group cohesion. My methods of measurement would include both self-monitoring procedures and worker-observation methods. To measure outcomes and behaviors of each group member I would distribute a session evaluation in the form of a Group Environment Scale (GES). However, Wilson, et al. (2008) writes: “the GES takes considerable amount of time to complete and may be too burdensome for group members with mental health or medical conditions” (p. 273). For this reason, I would consider using less extensive session evaluations in the form of questionnaire along with a goal-attainment scale to be given at each session, and only distribute the GES evaluation as a pre-test, mid-test, and post-test measure. I would also implement a single-system evaluation using the AB design to assess and measure group dynamics. An AB design is simple and allows me to stay present within the group, while also providing me with the means necessary to establish a baseline and track group progress.Explain how you evaluate the effectiveness of the group process. The GES uses a true-false measure to assess relationships, individual growth, and group system maintenance/changes (Toseland & Rivas, 2017, p. 440). It is a useful self-report measure that members can engage in throughout the group process. The results of their reports allow me to observe and track changes that occur within the group overtime, as well as the effectiveness of intervention methods for each individual. Utilizing other self-reporting measures along with GES is necessary to understand how I as group leader can improve supportive measures, streamline interventions, and influence effective communication. A single-system evaluation helps me to make objective observations about communication patterns throughout the process. According to an example given by Toseland & Rivas (2017), “after the intervention, communications between members and the worker decrease, and communications between members increase” (p. 432). This signals to the group leader that a healthy and effective group dynamic has been established. It also means that the group is becoming more involved in independent decision making. Understanding individual and group baselines is essential to evaluating the effectiveness of the group because it produces reliable results that are goal-focused. The combination of multiple self-monitoring tools and a single-system evaluation method will supply me with the information I need to understand what is needed for termination to be successful.ReferencesToseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.Wilson, P. A., Hansen, N. B., Tarakeshwar, N., Neufeld, S., Kochman, A., & Sikkema, K. J. (2008). Scale development of a measure to assess community-based and clinical intervention group environments. Journal of Community Psychology, 36(3), 271–288. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.20193

• Respond to two colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

  • Explain how your identified obstacles are similar or different.
  • Teresa R Toomer TuesdayNov 7 at 8:07pm

    Main PostIdentify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality.Explain how you as a social worker can work toward racial equality in policy implementation.Charleston: The Days After video. It is evident that there are numerous obstacles present in the quest for racial equality. One obstacle highlighted in the video is systemic racism, which perpetuates discriminatory practices and reinforces inequalities within society (TED). Another obstacle is implicit bias, which refers to unconscious prejudices and stereotypes that influence individuals’ behaviors and decision-making processes (Greenwald & Krieger, 2006).
    As a social worker, I can contribute towards achieving racial equality by actively working towards policy implementation. This can be done through advocating for inclusive policies that address disparities faced by marginalized communities, such as people of color. By utilizing evidence-based research, collaborating with community members, and engaging in policy analysis, social workers can help shape policies that promote equity and justice.
    Additionally, social workers can work towards racial equality by facilitating dialogue and promoting cultural competency among professionals in various sectors. This could involve providing training workshops on understanding privilege, dismantling biases, and developing culturally sensitive approaches to service delivery. By fostering awareness and sensitivity around issues of race and ethnicity, social workers can support the creation of more inclusive environments.
    In conclusion, addressing obstacles to racial equality requires collective efforts from various stakeholders including social workers. Through policy implementation and fostering cultural competence, we can strive towards creating a more equitable society.

    References:DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)Greenwald AG & Krieger LH (2006). Implicit bias: Scientific foundations. California Law Review, 94(4), 945-967.Not in Our Town. (n.d.-a). Charleston: The days afterLinks to an external site.Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-af…

  • Brittany Rawls TuesdayNov 7 at 10:33pm

    Identify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality. There are many obstacles present in the quest for racial equality, such as hate crimes, police brutality, racial profiling, and any other racial discriminations. In the video Not in Our Town, is an example of a horrific hate crime that took nine lives and is not the first or last time something like this will happen, because of these obstacles. If everyone could treat each other like human beings despite their race there could be a chance for more racial equality. Explain how you as a social worker can work toward racial equality in policy implementation. As a social worker I can work toward racial equality in policy implementation by advocating for racial equality. I also can become culturally competent, so I can educate others. For example, The National Association of Social Workers is an organization that supports change in racial equality. Reference
    Not in Our Town. (n.d.-a). Charleston: The days after Links to an external site.Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-after-

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  • Respond to two colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
    • Explain how a different policy or policies could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.
    • Explain how a different policy or policies could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.
    • Celenia Roque MondayNov 6 at 12:53pm
    • Describe your experiences with immigrants that you have known.

    There are many known immigrants, and they are all hardworking and humble people. They have come from all over the world and had to start from scratch in a new country. They have all been very grateful for the opportunities they have been given and have worked hard to make the most of them. I have always been impressed by their strength and determination, and there is pride in knowing them. These immigrants have come mainly from Mexico. They have had to leave their homes and everything they know behind and start over in a new country. This can be very difficult and scary, but they have all done it with courage and strength. They have all had to work hard to learn a new language, find a job, and make a new life for themselves. This is not easy, but they have all been very humble and grateful for the opportunities they have been given. I have always been impressed by their strength and determination, and I am proud to know them.

    • Describe their story. Did the persons immigrate because of employment, refugee, or asylum status?

    Many of the immigrants have come seeking employment and have faced significant challenges such as language barriers and discrimination. They are paid less than native-born workers, even when they have the same qualifications. They also face discrimination and racism in the workplace. This makes it difficult for immigrants to find jobs and support themselves and their families.

    • Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.

    A pathway to citizenship would allow undocumented persons to become legal residents or citizens of the country, providing them with the ability to work and live without fear of deportation. Providing access to education and job opportunities would allow undocumented persons to improve their economic situation and provide for their families. Strengthening border security would help to deter undocumented immigration by making it more difficult and expensive to cross the border illegally.Increasing enforcement of laws against employers who hire undocumented workers would help to discourage businesses from hiring undocumented workers. It would provide additional incentives for undocumented workers to obtain legal status. Providing access to health care would allow undocumented persons to receive necessary medical care and would help prevent the spread of disease.

    • Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.

    Providing a haven for refugees: One policy that could be implemented to grant asylum status is providing a haven for refugees. This would involve creating designated areas where refugees can go to seek safety and protection. These areas need to be well-protected and well-equipped to meet the needs of refugees. Establishing clear and humane criteria for granting asylum: Another policy that could be implemented to give asylum status is establishing clear and compassionate criteria for granting asylum. This would involve creating a set of standards that would need to be met in order for an asylum seeker to be eligible for asylum. These standards need to be straightforward to understand, and they need to be humane to protect the rights of those seeking asylum. Asylum seekers’ access to legal representation must be ensured. Granting asylum status could be achieved by providing asylum seekers with legal representation. Free or low-cost legal assistance will be provided to asylum seekers to help them prepare their applications and present them in the best possible light.Providing adequate resources to support asylum seekers: Another policy that could be implemented to grant asylum status is providing sufficient resources to help asylum seekers. This would involve ensuring asylum seekers have access to basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. It would also include providing resources to help them integrate into their new community. Training law enforcement and immigration officials in human rights standards: Another policy that could be implemented to grant asylum status is training law enforcement and immigration officials in human rights standards. This would involve teaching these officials on the proper way to treat asylum seekers and on international human rights standards.Reference:

    • DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
      • Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)
      • Collapse SubdiscussionTeresa R ToomerTeresa R Toomer TuesdayNov 7 at 7:35pm

        Discussion 2Describe your experiences with immigrants that you have known.Describe their story. Did the persons immigrate because of employment, refugee, asylum status? Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.In response to the discussion board post about the video “Watch the Luma Mufleh: Don’t Feel Sorry for Refugees—Believe in Them,” I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of believing in refugees and immigrants rather than feeling sorry for them. It is important to recognize their resilience, strength, and potential contributions to society.

        I have had the privilege of knowing several immigrants throughout my life, each with a unique story. One individual I became friends with immigrated from Syria due to the ongoing conflict and persecution they faced. They fled their home country in search of safety and a chance at a better future. Another person I know migrated from Mexico to seek employment opportunities to support their family back home. Both stories highlight different reasons behind immigration – one driven by forced displacement as a refugee, and another motivated by economic factors.

        When it comes to addressing undocumented persons, I believe that implementing comprehensive immigration reform is crucial. This could include creating pathways to legal status for those who are already living and contributing to our communities but lack proper documentation. A policy that combines elements such as background checks, payment of fines or taxes, English proficiency requirements, and integration programs would help address this issue effectively while still upholding the rule of law.

        As for granting asylum status, it is essential to establish policies that prioritize humanitarian considerations and uphold international obligations. These policies should provide fair and efficient processes for evaluating asylum claims while ensuring adequate protection for those fleeing persecution or violence. Additionally, increased funding for resources such as legal assistance and support services can aid in facilitating these processes more efficiently.

        In conclusion, instead of feeling sorry for refugees and immigrants, we should shift our focus towards believing in their abilities and potential contributions. By implementing comprehensive immigration reform and establishing fair asylum policies, we can create an inclusive society that values human dignity and recognizes the strengths that immigrants bring with them. As Luma Mufleh emphasized in the video, let us choose to believe in refugees and immigrants, for they have already overcome unimaginable challenges to reach our shores. As she eloquently stated, “It is not enough to help them survive; we must help them thrive.”ReferenceDiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.Mufleh, L. (2017, April). Luma Mufleh: Don’t feel sorry for refugees—believe in themLinks to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/luma_mufleh_don_t_feel_s…

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