Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which group stage often involves members testing boundaries and identifying roles?

1. Forming stage

2. Norming stage

3. Transition stage

4. Termination stage

The correct answer is: Transition stage

The transition stage is characterized by members beginning to assert themselves more and testing the limits of the group dynamic. During this phase, members may engage in conflicts or challenges as they explore their own roles within the group and how they interact with others. It is a critical period for establishing boundaries and identifying individual responsibilities and the larger group's social structure. In the transition stage, members often experience uncertainty about their place within the group, which can lead to a variety of behaviors, including resistance, withdrawal, or confrontation. This dynamic is essential for helping members clarify their roles and work towards an understanding of their contributions to the group's goals. The exploration of boundaries in this stage lays the groundwork for more cohesive group functioning in future stages.