Advancing stages of group development theory: the case of institutionalized older persons

Using content analysis to analyse process recordings, the developmental patterns of 2 groups of older institutionalised persons are presented. The similarities to and differences from the stages of group development described by Bennis and Shepard; Garland, Jones and Kolodny; and Schiller are discussed. Findings suggest that vulnerability to institutional power and the resultant dependence on the social worker were critical variables influencing how the groups developed over time. Differential principles for applying stages of group development theory to practice are offered.