Group Cohesion is the idea that members of a group, especially an effective group, will tend to cohere or stick together. Usually, cohesion increases over time and is an indication that the group is demonstrating intimacy. We stick to those things we like and we tend to stick more strongly the more we like things. Of course, cohesion can decrease when things get rough, but it tends to increase as the rough stuff is negotiated and things become more fun again. Very often the increase in cohesion is a result of surviving and learning from the tough times. “We’ve been through a lot together,” usually means that the group has become very important.
Sondra Brandler and Camille Roman have written a wonderful book, Group Work: Skills and Strategies for Effective Intervention. Page 12 includes a list of 17 “Cohesion-Building and Contractual Skills” that are very helpful. Here is their list and my comments to add to their ideas.
1. Limit setting – Brandler and Roman say that “people need to come on time.” That does build cohesion in most groups, but it is only one of several of the issues involving limits and it is very important how these limits are communicated and maintained. Cohesion will be greatest if the social worker can facilitate the total group’s active role in limit setting. Limiting distractions such as subgroup conversations and people acting out are important as well as attendance and punctuality.
2. Making connections – This is very important. Their example is, “What John is saying is a lot like what you are saying, Sally.” This expresses this important idea very well.
3. Reaching for commonality – “I guess we can all relate to that,” is a lot like making connections, but doing it with the whole group in mind.
4. Recognition of difference – It is important to affirm the value of opposition, and to underscore the importance of respect for differences in the process of recognizing them. Group members often need to be reminded that the group process works best when people are able to say and do what they think is important and not to always have to “go along.”
5. Summarizing – “So, today we talked about several things.” Make sure there is emphasis on the “we” when you do this. It may be good to go on with something like, “This groups really works well when so many different people contribute their ideas.”
6. Bridging – “It sounds as if you’re saying something like what we spoke about last week.” It is good to remind the group of the duration and continuity of the group.
7. Using words of inclusion – “We are saying …”; “Our group feels …” I think of this as group consciousness rather than inclusion, but I am sticking with Brandler and Roman’s terminology. The idea is important whatever you call it.
8. Establishing structure – This involves clarification about meeting times, length of meetings, etc. It is important to reinforce structure as well as establish it.
9. Establishing purpose and goals – Again, reinforcement through reminders and praise is important. Pointing out that, “This discussion has been really valuable because it helps us reach our goal of deciding what to do about weekend visits.”
10. Clarification of needs – “So, we have agreed that we want to share ideas about how to stop smoking.” It is important that the needs have been developed by the group, not imposed on them by some outside entity.
11. Definition of roles – “My job is to help you work together. Your job is to make decisions about ….”
12. Reaching for consensus – “Are we all in agreement?” There are many ways for groups to make decisions. Sometimes you need to take a vote. For minor things, leaders often decide. Consensus is, however, the best way to make decisions.
13. Identifying process – “It seems very quiet in here whenever the subject of summer vacation comes up.”
14. Making the problem a group issue – “It seems to me that George is not the only one who is concerned about money. Several of you have talked about that before.”
15. Mobilizing the group as a therapeutic agent – “How can we help Daphne with this problem?” Pointing out and praising the groups after the fact is also very important: “Boy, you all really helped each other today.”
16. Holding the group responsible for sharing information – “Is there anyone else who wants to say something about this?” Silence is a good tool to follow such a question. It is often hard to permit silence in a group, but it can be good for members to have time and a little bit of motivation to speak up.
17. Making a member a part of the group – “Jimmy, you are such a good listener. It is really good to have someone in the group who pays such close attention to what everyone is saying.”