Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The correct response details the stages of group development in a specific sequential order that aligns with established theories in social work and group dynamics. The stages identified—preaffiliation, power and control, intimacy, differentiation, and separation/termination—represent a journey a group typically undergoes as it forms and matures.

Initially, in the preaffiliation stage, group members are often focused on getting to know each other and establishing trust. This is followed by the power and control phase, where conflicts may arise as individuals assert their needs and desires, leading to power dynamics within the group. The intimacy stage is characterized by deepening relationships and a sense of closeness among members, fostering collaboration and support.

After the intimacy phase, groups move toward differentiation, in which members start to recognize and honor individual differences while still functioning cohesively as a group. Finally, the separation or termination stage marks the dissolution of the group or the end of its purpose, where members reflect on their experiences and gather closure.

By adhering to this sequence, the answer exemplifies a comprehensive understanding of how these stages interconnect and contribute to the overall dynamics and development of a group in a clinical or social work context.