Research, Best Practices, and Evidence-based Group Work

by

Mark J. Macgowan

• LAST REVIEWED: 29 June 2011
• LAST MODIFIED: 29 June 2011
• DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0031

Introduction

Both the methods used to study groups and discussions on the use of research in group work have advanced in the early 21st century. For example, statistical methods have been described that help address traditional limitations to group-based research (e.g., clustering problems resulting in nonindependence of observations). In addition, there have been discussions of the systematic utilization of best available evidence in groups, called evidence-based or evidence-informed group work. Recent books and special journal issues have been dedicated to helping practitioners to integrate best available evidence into practice. This entry provides a comprehensive list of sources related to group work research, best practices, and evidence-based group work, with an emphasis on publications since 2000. The entry begins with material on the utilization and application of research by practitioners. Specifically, there is a presentation of standards for the practice of group work, followed by sections on evidence-based group work and on practice evaluation. These are followed by a section on conducting formal research on group work. The entry also includes a guide to the major group work journals.

Journals

There are nine peer-reviewed scholarly journals in print, representing a range of emphases. The group work journal from a clear social work perspective is Social Work with Groups. Group Analysis focuses on psychotherapy, whereas Group Dynamics applies a scientific understanding to group work topics. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations focuses on group and intergroup phenomena. Groupwork originates in England, and International Journal of Group Psychotherapy is the official publication of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery has material related to groups in addiction and recovery. Journal for Specialists in Group Work is the journal of the Association for Specialists in Group Work, a division of the American Counseling Association. Small Group Research brings together research that probes all aspects of small-group functioning. All journals publish qualitative and quantitative research, including mixed methods, with various levels of rigor. Journals with notable attention to rigor include Small Group Research and Group Dynamics. Also included is a section on the dissemination of research; that is, publishing in group work journals.

• Group Analysis: The International Journal of Group-Analytic Psychotherapy.

  This journal focuses on theory, practice, and experience of analytic group psychotherapy.

• Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice.

  This journal covers empirical analyses of group work topics. Its aim is to strengthen the link between the scientific study of group dynamics and the application of that scientific understanding in applied settings.

• Group Processes and Intergroup Relations.

  This journal focuses on basic and applied aspects of group and intergroup phenomena, ranging from small interactive groups to large-scale social categories.

• Groupwork.

  Originating in England, this journal covers group work of all types.

• International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.

  This journal is devoted to reporting and interpreting the research and practice of group psychotherapy.

• Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery.

  This journal covers all topics related to groups in addiction and recovery.

• Journal for Specialists in Group Work.

  This journal includes empirical research, history of group work, work with groups, theoretical discussions, and currentgroup-literature reviews.

• Small Group Research: An International Journal of Theory, Investigation, and Application.

  This journal addresses the psychology of small groups, communication within small groups, and the organizational behavior of small groups. It brings together research that probes all aspects of small group functioning, including processes, dynamics, outcomes, and relationship to environment.

• Social Work with Groups: A Journal of Community and Clinical Practice.

  This is the only group work journal with an explicit emphasis on social work. It covers group work in psychiatric, rehabilitative, and multipurpose social work and social services agencies.