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

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

In this article We will know the Worchel cyclic model, a psychological model that explains, through 6 stages, how groups are formed. We will explain what is meant by group (characteristics and types), as well as the characteristics of each stage proposed by Worchel's model.

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What are groups?

Within social psychology we find the branch of group psychology. This “subdiscipline” or variant of psychology has groups as its object of study: thus, it tries to investigate how they are formed, how they are dissolved, what characteristics define them, etc.

Before addressing 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 notable indicate that it is “a group of people who have a collective perception of unity, and who act together.”

Characteristics

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

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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 members or more). Regarding their degree of formality, these can be formal (for example a work team) or informal (a group of childhood friends).

Groups can also be a reference (voluntary), that is, members join them of their own free will (for example, being part of a specific political party) or belonging (for example, sex, being a man or woman).

Worchel cyclic model: what is it?

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

Characteristics

Regarding the characteristics of Worchel's cyclic model, we find that the process that This model represents the formation and development of the group, it does not have a duration default, and The passage from one stage to another depends on reaching the appropriate level in the previous stage.

Furthermore, as its name indicates, it is a cyclical model, where the 6 stages can end and start again. Finally, Worchel's cyclical model also contemplates the possibility of setbacks occurring in previous stages.

Stadiums

The 6 stages into which Worchel's cyclical model is divided are the following (along with their characteristics):

1. Stage 1: period of discontent

In this first stage that Worchel proposes, the subjects feel dissatisfied and helpless in their original group; that is to say, a period of discontent and dissatisfaction appears for various reasons.

In this first phase, the dropout rate of group members is high. Besides, its members hardly participate in group tasks (those with a common objective, which imply and require the participation of everyone).

Another notable feature is that occasional acts of vandalism appear and uncontrolled violence.

2. Stage 2: precipitating event

The second stage of Worchel's cyclical model appears from a precipitating event that triggers it. In this stage, a signal precipitates the formation of a new group and the abandonment of the previous one. In a way, this stage represents a kind of “symbol” of all the negative aspects of the old group.

In short, here the members who are committed to breaking up the group (forming a new one) are separated from those who wish to continue belonging to the initial group. Sometimes members of the previous group (especially those with power) may carry out retaliation or certain repression towards members who leave the group.

3. Stage 3: identification with the group

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

This stage is characterized because the new group begins to take shape, begins to consolidate. Strong barriers are created against other groups (outgroups), and any divergence within the group is persecuted or censored. On the other hand, All behaviors in accordance with group norms are reinforced., and public displays of loyalty to the group, which are expected, are encouraged.

Finally, a competition appears on the part of the new group and the outgroups (these being understood as “the other groups”, different from the group itself or to which one belongs).

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

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4. Stage 4: group productivity

In the fourth stage of Worchel's cyclical model, group productivity appears (obtaining results and benefits). That is, group objectives become relevant. In this stage, All members of the group fight in unison to achieve these objectives.

The emphasis on equality is characteristic of this phase; That is why cooperative relationships with other groups (the “outgroups”) are allowed as long as this allows the group itself to obtain benefits.

5. Stage 5: individualization

The fifth stage is characterized by individualization; This implies that achieving individual objectives becomes important. That is to say, The “group” no longer matters so much, but also the “individual”, who wants to feel recognized (without wanting to break up or leave the group).

At this stage subgroups appear within the group, and equity is emphasized; This implies providing each member with what they deserve, based on their conditions, merits or contributions.

Another characteristic of the fifth stage is that in it cooperation with outgroups is actively sought (more than in the previous stage, where such cooperative relations were allowed rather than sought). Furthermore, here the fact of belonging to outgroups is valued, something that had never happened in previous stages.

6. Stage 6: group decline

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

That's when some members of the group begin to leave the group, especially those with skills valued by other groups (outgroups). Thus, group decline and group dissolution occur (the group “dies”), which allows the cycle to begin again and return to stage 1, initiating the entire group formation process.

Bibliographic references:

• Hogg, M.A. (2010). Social psychology. Vaughan Graham M. Panamericana. Publisher: Panamericana.
• Marin, M. (2012). Social psychology of group processes. Pyramid.
• Morales, J.F. (2007). Social psychology. Publisher: S.A. McGraw-Hill / Interamericana de España.