Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What describes the stage of "closure" in group development?

1. Defining group roles

2. Testing boundaries and conflicts

3. Ending the group process and reflection

4. Achieving set goals

The correct answer is: Ending the group process and reflection

The stage of "closure" in group development is characterized by ending the group process and facilitating reflection among the participants. This stage allows members to review their experiences, evaluate what they have learned, and acknowledge personal growth or change that has occurred throughout the group sessions. It is crucial for members to understand the progress they have made, reinforce the relationships built, and provide closure to their shared experience. During this phase, group members often engage in discussions about their feelings regarding the group's ending, share insights gained, and may participate in summarizing their contributions and the overall outcomes of the group's work. This reflective practice helps solidify the learning and growth that has taken place, encouraging participants to carry these insights forward into their lives. While defining group roles, testing boundaries and conflicts, and achieving set goals are important aspects of earlier stages in group development, they do not encapsulate the essence of the closure stage, which is primarily focused on ending and reflection.