Groups are groups of people who share common characteristics and/or objectives. Group psychology, 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 cyclical model of Worchel , a psychological model that explains, through 6 stages, how groups are formed. We will explain what is understood by a 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 group psychology . This “sub-discipline” or variant of psychology has as its object of study groups: thus, it tries to investigate how these are formed, how they dissolve, 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 prominent ones point out that it is “a set 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 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 number of parameters (here we will see only some of them).

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

Groups can also be reference groups (volunteers), that is, members join them by their own will (for example, being part of a certain political party) or by membership (for example, sex, being male or female).

Worchel cyclical 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. He refers to the process of group formation, that is, he explains how groups are formed and how they develop, and he divides this process into 6 stages.

Characteristics

Regarding the characteristics of the cyclical model of Worchel, 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 .

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

Stadiums

The 6 stages into which the Worchel cyclic model is divided are the following (together with their characteristics):

1. Stage 1: period of discontent

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

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

Another remarkable feature is that there are occasional acts of vandalism 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 bet on a break from the group (forming a new one) are separated from those who wish to continue belonging to the initial group. Sometimes the members of the previous group (especially those with power) may execute reprisals or certain repression towards the 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 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 (exo groups), and any divergence within the group is pursued or censored. On the other hand, all those behaviours of conformity towards the group norms are reinforced , and public demonstrations of loyalty to the group are encouraged, which are expected.

Finally, there is a competition between the new group and the ex-groups (understood as “the other groups”, different from one’s own group or from the one 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 has a great influence on the individual identity.

4. Stage 4: Group productivity

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

Characteristic of this phase is the emphasis on equality; that is why cooperative relationships with other groups (the “ex-groups”) are allowed as long as this allows the group itself to benefit.

5. Stage 5: Individualization

The fifth stage is characterised by individualisation; this implies that achieving individual goals becomes important. In other words, it is not so much the “group” that matters, but also the “individual” , who wishes to feel recognised (without wishing to break up or abandon the group).

At 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 cooperation with exo groups is actively sought (more than in the previous stage, which allowed such cooperative relationships rather than seeking them). In addition, the fact of belonging to the exo groups is valued here, 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 with respect to the group itself (endogroup) and its value. In addition, the fear of group rejection is lost, and even fights between subgroups may appear.

This is when some members of the group start to leave the group , especially those with skills valued by other groups (ex-groups). This leads to group decline and group dissolution (the group “dies”), which allows the cycle to start again and return to stage 1, initiating the whole process of group formation.

Bibliographic references:

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