Adults  in Social Groups, Research Paper Example

Introduction

This paper examines the concept of adult therapy via groups for adults.  This considers a summation of Chapter 11 from the book ‘Groups: Process and Practice’. (Corey, M.2010).  The article considers such items as group interventions, educational counseling and psychotherapy groups.

Adults  in Social Groups

Group therapy with men often helps in the clarification of gender roles and coping with life’s struggles. The team felt “ men could profit from talking about the struggles in a safe and supportive group”  [Ch. 11 P 377] (Corey, M. 2010).  In the examination of these groups it was determined that there were two specific dimensions “ most mens groups contain both a psychoeducational component and an interpersonal process oriented dimension” [ Ch 11 p.375] (Corey, M. 2010).

The first part of Ronald Levant’s book, “A new psychology of men“, focuses upon gender roles strains.  In the modern marriages we are seeing a lot of role reversal taking place.  The wife is going out to work and having a career, essentially the money earner, whilst the husband is staying at home looking after the kids and dealing with domestic chores.  Unless there is good synergy, communication and understanding in the marriage.  This can lead to a significant strain.  This is compounded with the role reversal occurred because the male partner lost his job.

The loss of the masculine role and feeling of shame often leads to extramarital relationships.  In the new relationship, the mail seeks to reinsert his masculinity and reclaim the position he believed lost in his marriage.  All too often in these situations.  It is the children that suffer creating divided loyalties, confusion, and ultimately alienation. ” To accomplish this (the ability to love and be loved) a man must be willing to plumb the depths of his own psyche and to revisit the struggles, losses and traumas that lie at the root of his developmental crisis of self-formation and masculine identity. This cannot be accomplished through the nostalgic drumbeat of primitive masculinity” (Rowan, J. 2012)

There is no doubt that many young couples starting out on married life.  Need some degree of help in facing the challenges that lie ahead.  There is a bridge that needs to be built with recognition for the equality of women and the right to have a career, whilst being empathetic men in understanding their changing role.  Men need to find a greater balance in their life whilst communicating and supporting the wife; who after all is looking after the safety and interests of the family.  Marriage is essentially a partnership of mutual understanding, trust and working with each other, goals and objectives.  Those who can achieve the balance will survive the challenges to come (Meth, R.L.  2012)

References

Corey, M. C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice 8th ed. Belmont CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage.

Meth, R. (2012, 7 25). A new psychology of men. Retrieved from BNET: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3658/is_199710/ai_n8781569/

Rowan, J. (2012, 7 23). A new psychology of men. Retrieved from Achilles Heel: http://www.achillesheel.freeuk.com/br20_2.html