A nurse is helping lead a support group for clients in a long-term care facility. Which of the following is the leader's task during the termination phase of group development?
Explanation & Rationale
Introduction: The termination phase of group therapy focuses on summarizing collective achievements and processing the emotions associated with ending the therapeutic relationship. It ensures successful closure and transition, allowing members to internalize the progress made during the working phase while addressing the psychological impact of the group's dissolution. A. During the termination phase, the leader's primary responsibility is to facilitate a reflection on the group’s progress and goals. This helps members acknowledge their personal growth and the work accomplished. It also provides an opportunity to discuss how members will apply their newly acquired coping skills in the future. B. Encouraging problem solving is a primary task of the working phase of group development. In the working phase, the group focuses on the actual content and behavioral changes required to meet therapeutic goals. By the termination phase, the focus shifts from active problem-solving to summarizing and concluding the process. C. Guiding conflict resolution is typically a task associated with the "storming" phase or the early working phase of group development. While conflicts may arise at any time, the leader's role in the termination phase is more focused on consolidation and closure rather than managing interpersonal group dynamics and disagreements. D. Discussing ground rules, such as confidentiality and attendance, is a fundamental task of the orientation or forming phase. Establishing these parameters is necessary to create a safe and structured environment before the group can proceed to the therapeutic work found in the subsequent phases of development.