Groups are ubiquitous in outdoor education and while there is a lot of literature on groups, there is limited examination of the assumptions made about groups and the effects these assumptions have on the practices of outdoor education. I utilise some of Michel Foucault's (1992) tools to investigate literature on outdoor education groups.…

Describes and integrates a multidimensional approach for measuring and understanding small group process. Reviews the construct of cohesion and applies the multidimensional approach to evidence, both conceptual and empirical, resulting from studies of cohesion. Discusses observations and conclusions regarding cohesion and its current state. (BH)

This paper focuses on group dynamics and introduces the use of initiative activities as a means of facilitating a more cohesive group experience in outdoor programs. Specific topics addressed and defined include: (1) curative factors of groups (universality, didactic learning, altruism, socialization, peer learning, group cohesiveness); (2) stages…

Feminism is experiencing a similar dual crisis in the United States and France. One aspect of this crisis, the movement's alignment with other groups, is destructive, inevitably leading to the subordination of women's issues to "human" issues. The other dimension of the crisis, internal differences, is potentially creative, offering the…

Recent decree laws in Chile, if implemented, will eliminate all professional "colegios" (governing bodies), including those for medicine, law, and journalism, and allow them the alternative of forming free trade unions. The twenty "colegios" of Chile require university education for membership and serve as monitors of the…

Illustrates the value of theoretical concepts from Feminist Therapy in the group treatment of women survivors. Theoretical underpinnings are supported using data taken from clinical experience and by examining group themes and out-of-group contact developed from the case sample. Principles regarding feminist groups are proposed. (RJM)

Describes therapeutic factors in group psychotherapy that can also be applied to the camping experience: group cohesion, interpersonal learning, and altruism. Offers strategies and specific activities for counselors and camp directors to incorporate these factors into the camping experience. (LP)

Group cohesiveness in psychotherapy is defined as the dynamic process that incorporates the multifactors that establish and maintain members in the therapy group. The development of group cohesiveness and the role of the therapist can be divided into five stages. In the first pregroup stage, the therapist must select clients and prepare them for…

Defines the term reunions and delineates the dimensions, such as formality, frequency, and size, in which they differ from one another. Discusses the significance of reunions throughout the life cycle, examining the change in meaning and importance attributed to them as people age. Reviews the literature on the subject. (GEA)

Discusses some current attempts to redefine the concept of group cohesion, and examines studies designed to manipulate factors hypothesized to enhance cohesion. Concludes with suggestions for more systematic and potentially fruitful research. (Author)

Examines career group literature in terms of group process variables of therapeutic factors, client composition, and leadership variables. Denotes function of process variables as "used" (factor emphasized as significant part of career group intervention) or "examined" (factor either measured or manipulated). Presents…

Maintains that the study of peer relations has focused heavily on children's dyadic experiences. Argues that an analysis of children's experiences at the network or group level provides an equally compelling perspective on their relations within their peer system. Shows how the dynamics of peer networks determine social experiences and influence…

This paper reviews the research literature published between 1992 and 1995 on group development and group dynamics in outdoor education and closely allied disciplines. The research is categorized in six general dimensions: (1) how the personal characteristics, skills, and experience that individuals bring to the group influences group dynamics and…

This paper explores the theoretical and research contributions of many authors concerning group status and intergroup relations. Highlighted are: (1) Coleman's insights on the classroom reward structure; (2) Pettigrew's principles for successful ethnic contact; (3) Sherif's experimental work on the reduction of intergroup hostility through the…

One of the continuing problems and criticisms of human service disciplines is that they often separate research from clinical practice, as if the two had no connection or commonality. This article describes one way in which the two can be brought together for the benefit and empowerment of clients. Specifically, the article presents a model for…