Worchel’s cyclical model: the 6 stages of group formation

An explanatory model that describes the stages through which groups are formed.

Groups are groupings of people who share common characteristics and/or objectives. Group psychology, within social psychology, is concerned with the study of these groupings, as well as the relationships and processes that occur within them.

In this article we will learn about Worchel's cyclical modela psychological model that explains, through 6 stages, how groups are formed. We will explain what is understood by group (characteristics and types), as well as the characteristics of each stage proposed by Worchel's model.

What are groups?

Within social psychology we find the branch of the psychology of the groups. This "sub-discipline" or variant of psychology has groups as its object of study: thus, it tries to investigate how they are formed, how they dissolve, what characteristics define them, etc.

Before approaching Worchel's cyclical model, we must be clear about what is meant by a group. There are many definitions for it, but some of the most prominent ones point out that it is "a set of people who have a collective perception of unity, and who act together".

Characteristics

As for the characteristics of a group, we find that there is mutual satisfaction of the members, as well as interdependence of the members and common objectives or goals.. On the other hand, there is also a mutual influence among its members.

Types

In addition, there are different types of groups, depending on a series of parameters (here we will see only some of them).

In relation to their size, groups can be small (they are considered small if they have less than 20 members), or large (20 or more members). In terms of their degree of formality, they can be formal (e.g. a work team) or informal (a group of childhood friends).

Groups can also be referral groups (voluntary), i.e. members join them of their own free will (e.g. being part of a particular political party) or of belonging (e.g. gender, being male or female).

Worchel's cyclical model: what is it?

Stephen Worchel is the author of the so-called Worchel's cyclical model (1996). (1996), and we find it within social psychology, specifically within the field of group psychology. It refers to the process of group formation, i.e. it explains how groups are formed and how they develop, and divides this process into 6 stages.

Characteristics

As for the characteristics of Worchel's cyclical model, we find that the process represented by this model includes the formation and development of the group, it does not have a predetermined duration, and the passage from one stage to another depends on reaching the appropriate level in the previous stage..

Moreover, as its name suggests, it is a cyclical model, where the 6 stages can end and start again. Finally, Worchel's cyclical model also contemplates the possibility of the also allows for the possibility of regression in previous stages..

Stages

The 6 stages into which Worchel's cyclic model is divided are as follows (along with their characteristics):

1. Stage 1: period of discontent

In this first stage proposed by Worchel, subjects feel dissatisfied and helpless in their original group; i.e., a period of dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction appears for various reasons.

In this first phase, the dropout rate of group members is high. In addition, group members hardly participate in group tasks, group members hardly participate in group tasks (those with a common goal, involving and requiring the participation of all). (those with a common goal, which involve and require the participation of all).

Another noteworthy characteristic is that occasional acts of vandalism and uncontrolled and uncontrolled violence.

2. Stage 2: precipitating event

The second stage of Worchel's cyclical model is triggered by a precipitating event. In this stage a signal precipitates the formation of a new group and the abandonment of the previous group.. In a certain way, this stage represents a sort of "symbol" of all the negative aspects of the old group.

In short, here the members who bet on a rupture of the group (forming a new one) are separated from those who wish to continue to belong to the initial group. Sometimes members of the former group (especially those with power) may retaliate or repress members who leave the group.

3. Stage 3: identification with the group

The third stage is the most important in Worchel's cyclical model. It is the phase in which the phase in which the most conflicts appear..

This stage is characterized by the fact that the new group begins to take shape, begins to consolidate. Strong barriers are created against other groups (exogroups), and any divergence within the group is persecuted or censored. On the other hand, all behaviors of conformity to group norms are reinforced, and demonstrations of conformity to group norms are encouraged.On the other hand, public demonstrations of loyalty to the group, which are expected, are encouraged.

Finally, there is competition between the new group and the exogroups (understood as "the other groups", different from one's own group or the group to which one belongs).

In addition to the appearance of this competition, it is also encouraged once it appears.. On the other hand, the fact of belonging to one's own group (endogroup) and feeling part of it, greatly influences individual identity.

4. Stage 4: group productivity

In the fourth stage of Worchel's cyclical model, group productivity (obtaining results and benefits) appears. In other words, group objectives become relevant. In this stage all members of the group strive in unison to achieve these objectives..

Characteristic of this stage is the emphasis on equality; that is why cooperative relationships with other groups (the "exogroups") are allowed as long as this allows the group to obtain benefits for itself.

5. Stage 5: individualization

The fifth stage is characterized by individualization; this implies that the achievement of individual goals becomes important. In other words, the "group" is no longer so important as the "individual", who wants to feel recognized (without wishing to break away from the group).who wants to feel recognized (without wanting to break up or leave the group).

In this stage, subgroups appear within the group, and equity is emphasized; this implies providing each member with what he or she deserves, according to his or her conditions, merits or contributions.

Another characteristic of the fifth stage is that in this stage cooperation with the exogroups is actively sought (more so than in the previous (more so than in the previous stage, where such cooperative relationships were allowed rather than sought). In addition, here the fact of belonging to the exogroups is valued, something that had never happened in previous stages.

6. Stage 6: group decline

The sixth and last stage of Worchel's cyclical model corresponds to the phase of group decline. In this phase doubts and distrust appear regarding the group itself (endogroup) and its value. In addition, the fear of group rejection is lost, and even fights between subgroups may appear.

It is then that some members of the group begin to leave the groupespecially those with skills valued by other groups (exogroups). Group decline and group dissolution (the group "dies") then occurs, which allows the cycle to start again and return to stage 1, initiating the whole process of group formation.

Bibliographical references:

• Hogg, M.A. (2010). Social psychology. Vaughan Graham M. Panamericana. Editorial: Panamericana.
• Marín, M. (2012). Psicología social de los procesos grupales. Pirámide.
• Morales, J.F. (2007). Psicología social. Publisher: S.A. McGraw-Hill / Interamericana de España.