Course

Group Theory and Process

Faculty
Health Sciences
Department
Nursing - Psychiatric
Course code
PNUR 3441
Credits
1.50
Semester length
15
Max class size
20
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course will introduce students to group theory and group process. Students explore their beliefs and values pertaining to groups and discover the relevance of this to their own learning and practice. Students will explore professional and ethical issues in the context of group work. Students examine groups in relation to types, roles, aims, barriers and opportunities as they work in groups, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Students expand their knowledge of the history and development of groups. Students further enhance their knowledge and skill related to group structure and functioning. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate therapeutic relationship skills in group work. Students learn to establish goals and objectives for groups, and apply the underpinnings of specific group theories. Planning and implementing a psycho educational group will be the focus of this course.
Course content

In this course, within the context of the Douglas College Psychiatric Nursing’s philosophy and Conceptual Framework, students will focus on developing the psychiatric nursing role and promoting health in clients through an understanding, acquisition and utilization of group skills. Specific concepts that will be addressed are:

  1. A brief history of the evolution of groups and group theory.
  2. Exploration of types of groups and varied group theoretical modalities.
  3. Role of Psychiatric Nurse in group practice.
  4. Knowledge (basic) related to group theory, process and dynamics, group structure & functioning, group norms and rules, sources of power.
  5. Application of group work principles to working in any group.
  6. Examining personal attitudes, beliefs and values as a member of a group
  7. Experiencing learning as a group member, including safety and trust
  8. Diversity in groups—being culturally-sensitive and inclusive as a group leader and member.
  9. Leadership (intro): responsibilities, attributes, qualities, roles and functions, skills.
  10. Co-leader role in groups.
  11. Phases/stages of group development and leader/co-leader tasks at each stage of group development.
  12. Planning and implementing a psycho education group based on specific population need across the lifespan.
  13. Essential group observation skills and analysis of group process.
  14. Application of knowledge of therapeutic communication skills to group leadership.
  15. Professional, legal and ethical issues in group practice.

 

Learning activities

Student learning is facilitated through a variety of teaching/learning methods including lecture, demonstration, audio-visual aids, group discussion, group and/or individual research and presentations and experiential learning as a group member with the intent of advancing the development of group skills.

Means of assessment

The course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College evaluation policy.  An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. 
 
This is a graded course.

Learning outcomes

In this course students will use the Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing Curricular Threads (wellness-illness continuum, professional values, professional caring & health care delivery system), and in the context of the environmental, health and psychiatric nursing domains, will integrate the care of  the person domain (client system, psychological, physiological, sociocultural, spiritual & developmental variables).  Students will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes related to group structure and process when caring for individuals across the life span who are experiencing episodic or ongoing health challenges.

Textbook materials

A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester. Other materials such as journal articles will be accessed through online data bases in the College library.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for PNUR 3441
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) No credit

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
40
Currently enrolled
22
Remaining seats:
18
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. D
Room
D2023
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. D
Room
D2023
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20
Section notes

PNUR 3441 001 is restricted to BSPN students. Students will be assigned to a group by PNUR faculty.