Discover the 7 key models of social group work, including Social Goals, Remedial, Reciprocal, and more. Learn their purposes, applications, and how they address social and emotional challenges in social work practice.

Social Group Work Models

Social group work is a powerful approach in social work, addressing individual and community challenges through structured group processes. Over time, social group work has evolved from preventive to treatment-focused approaches, leading to the development of various theoretical models. These models—Social Goals, Remedial, Reciprocal, Intake, Problem-Solving, Psychotherapeutic, and Developmental—offer unique frameworks to tackle diverse social and emotional issues. This guide explores these seven models, their purposes, and their applications in social work practice.

Overview of the 7 Models of Social Group Work

1. Social Goals Model

2. Remedial Model

3. Reciprocal Model

4. Intake Model

5. Problem-Solving Model

6. Psychotherapeutic Model

7. Developmental Model

1. Social Goals Model (Papell and Rothman, 1966)

The Social Goals Model emphasizes social consciousness and social responsibility, encouraging community members to address social issues and drive meaningful change. Rooted in movements like the settlement house, labor union, and women’s movements, this model prioritizes democratic group processes. Social workers using this model facilitate group discussions to promote collective action and social reform.

Applications: Community organizing, advocacy groups, and social justice initiatives.

2. Remedial Model (Vinter, 1957)

The Remedial Model focuses on treating individual behavioral issues and improving social adjustment. It targets individuals with challenges in social relations or deviant behaviors not accepted by society. By fostering a supportive group environment, social workers help normalize behaviors through structured interventions. This clinically oriented model is widely used in settings like mental health facilities, correctional institutions, schools, and counseling centers.

Applications: Mental health support groups, rehabilitation programs, and family services.

3. Reciprocal Model (Schwartz, 1961)

The Reciprocal Model, often called the Mediating Model, blends elements of the Social Goals and Remedial models. Influenced by systems theory, field theory, and social psychological principles, it addresses conflicts between individual and group needs. Social workers act as facilitators, mediating interactions to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.

Applications: Conflict resolution groups, community mediation, and workplace team-building.

4. Intake Model (Hankinson & Stephens)

The Intake Model focuses on orienting individuals to an agency’s services without immediate program intervention. It emphasizes understanding the agency’s functions and preparing individuals for further support or social improvement initiatives. This model is ideal for initial assessments and introductions to social work services.

Applications: Agency onboarding, client assessments, and community outreach programs.

5. Problem-Solving Model

The Problem-Solving Model promotes behavioral change and skill development through positive reinforcement. It encourages group members to collaboratively address challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and build social competencies. This model is practical and action-oriented, focusing on tangible outcomes.

Applications: Youth development programs, life skills workshops, and behavioral therapy groups.

6. Psychotherapeutic Model (Allport)

The Psychotherapeutic Model is person-centered, focusing on emotions, self-concept, and mental health. It incorporates approaches like psychoanalytic therapy, group therapy, gestalt therapy, psychodrama, and transactional analysis. Social workers use this model to strengthen individuals’ emotional resilience and self-awareness within a group setting.

Applications: Therapy groups, mental health support, and trauma recovery programs.

7. Developmental Model (Bernstein, 1955)

The Developmental Model emphasizes group dynamics, intimacy, and interdependence. Drawing from Erickson’s ego psychology, conflict theory, and group dynamics, it integrates elements of the Reciprocal, Remedial, and Social Goals models. This model fosters personal and group growth through close-knit, supportive interactions.

Applications: Personal growth groups, team-building workshops, and community development initiatives.

Conclusion

The seven models of social group work provide versatile frameworks for addressing diverse social and emotional challenges. From fostering social change to supporting individual growth, these models enable social workers to tailor interventions to specific group goals and needs. Selecting the right model depends on the group’s objectives, the nature of the challenges, and the desired outcomes. By understanding and applying these models, social workers can enhance their practice and create lasting impact