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Write a research based psychoeducational group proposal.

Each student will select a theme and age level appropriate for a group proposal. Previous group research that directly addresses your theme/age level will be used to give you a background on the knowledge known about your topic. If you are unable to find research directly addressing the topic of your choice, you may use research closely related, such as research on adolescent group work in general. You are to use a minimum of 10 references that should be incorporated throughout the body of your proposal. These 10 references should come from the Research Based Summaries #1 and #2 that you completed earlier in the term.

Papers are expected to be at least 10 pages of text in length and reflect a high -quality literature review and discussion relative to your group of interest. Five of the 10 references should be journal articles that directly relate to group work. This paper should be written using APA standards.

Your proposal will be divided into four (4) chapters. The following is an outline of what should be contained in each chapter.

**USE THE HEADINGS BELOW FOR THE OUTLINE OF YOUR PROPOSAL.

CHAPTER 1:

Begin this chapter with a paragraph that introduces the entire group proposal then tell the reader what to expect in this chapter.

Statement of Need: The first chapter addresses the rationale for why the group is needed. Clearly explain the purpose of the group and why it is needed. What type of group do you propose (i.e., psychoeducation) and who is appropriate for the group? Consider the following:

·A statement of need establishes the relevance of your group. You should work to convince the reader that the condition you are focusing on is a problem for your potential members and why group work is the way to address it.

·Define the condition and age group that you are focusing on (e.g., depression as per the DSM 5 in adults 18-30, unwed mothers between 13-15).

·Prevalence could be statistics (i.e., how many people suffer from the problem?).

·Impact is another way to establish relevance (i.e., how badly does the condition impact your potential group members?)

· End with a mini summary of the chapter.

CHAPTER 2:

Begin this chapter by linking to the previous chapter and then introduce/set-up chapter 2. Follow this process for each chapter.

Literature Review: Include a thorough discussion of what the professional literature says about the type of group that you are proposing. Consider using the 10 articles that you summarized in weeks 1 and 4 here. Use the literature to establish the use of a psychoeducational group to address the concern with your age group. Include population, topic, and ALL aspects of the group. If research is not available for this type of group, discuss research done on similar groups. Include as many sub-headings as you need to cover the literature.

Purpose and Goals of the Current Group: These are statements (i.e., "The purpose of the current group is to....") that is in line with the goal of your group (i.e., what do you want the members to get out of the group?). Discuss your goal for the group (i.e., “The goal of the current group is …”). The goal/objective for the group should be reflected in your purpose statement.

CHAPTER 3:

NOTE: This chapter focuses on procedures. All information in this chapter should be based on the literature that you cited in Chapter 2 of your proposal.

Logistics: This section addresses the who what when where of your group. Discuss the composition of your group. How many members will be in your group? Will your group be open or closed? How often will your group meet and for how long? Where and when will the group be held? Who will lead the group? What qualifications will the group leader hold? How many leaders will you use (i.e., one or two)?

Screening and Selection: Who is appropriate for this type of group. What criteria will you use for the inclusion and exclusion of members? How are they referred (e.g., mental health center, teacher, etc.)? How will you prepare members for the group? Describe your screening procedures.

Additional Information: Include any other pertinent material which you believe important to you group.

CHAPTER 4:

Plan for Evaluation: This area focuses on determining the effectiveness of your group. Assessment instruments, exit interviews, and other follow-up procedures are most often used. What exactly will you do to evaluate your group? How will you measure change? If you cite an existing instrument, then provide information about it. If you create an instrument, provide a general overview of information which will be contained in it.

Plan for Follow-up: This section should address any follow-up procedures that you may have for your group members. This included future contact and/or referral procedures.