Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which term do some group professionals use to refer to the transition stage?

1. Storming stage

2. Forming stage

3. Norming stage

4. Performing stage

The correct answer is: Storming stage

The term that some group professionals refer to as the transition stage is often associated with the "storming stage." This phase is characterized by conflict, competition, and challenges among group members as they begin to assert their individual personalities and leadership styles. During the storming stage, differing opinions about goals and procedures can lead to tension within the group, which is a natural part of group development. In this context, the storming stage is crucial as it allows group members to address underlying issues, establish their roles, and clarify their relationships. Successfully navigating this stage can lead to deeper cohesion and progress in later stages of group development. The ability to work through conflicts during this transition phase is key to the group progressing toward more collaborative and effective functioning in subsequent stages. The other stages—forming, norming, and performing—represent different phases in group development. Forming is about initial acquaintance; norming focuses on establishing norms and agreements; performing is when the group operates effectively toward its goals. Each stage serves a unique purpose but does not encapsulate the transitional challenges inherent in the storming phase.