Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

In a group therapy setting, what is the most effective intervention for a disruptive adolescent group member?

1. Encourage group members to share their feelings about the member's comments.

2. Confront the informal leader about his behavior and challenge him to find alternatives.

3. Allow the group to proceed without intervening.

4. Model an accepting stance to the group members.

The correct answer is: Encourage group members to share their feelings about the member's comments.

Encouraging group members to share their feelings about the disruptive member's comments fosters a supportive environment where communication is key. This approach allows for exploration of emotions and reactions within the group, which can bring awareness to the disruptive behavior and its impact on others. By voicing their feelings, members can collaborate on addressing the disruption collectively without singling out the adolescent, promoting group cohesion and accountability. This type of intervention also empowers the group to create their own norms surrounding behavior, which can lead to improved dynamics and a more constructive therapeutic atmosphere. In contrast, confronting the informal leader directly might increase their resistance and further disrupt the group, while allowing the group to proceed without intervention risks normalizing the disruptive behavior. Modeling an accepting stance can be beneficial, but it may not directly address the issue at hand or facilitate group processing of feelings regarding the disruption. Thus, encouraging open communication about feelings is a proactive and effective strategy in managing disruptive behaviors in group therapy settings.