, BSW3702
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
2026
DUE OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1. Indicate with a motivation, the suitability of group work as a method to assist you with this
task. (2)
Group work is suitable for this task because it uses mutual aid and peer support as a mechanism for
change (Shulman, 2016). In the context of Taung, where men are reluctant to use Lenacapavir due
to widespread misconceptions, a group provides a safe environment where members can challenge
each other's myths, share experiences, and learn collectively. Unlike individual counselling, the
group leverages peer influence to establish new, positive norms about HIV prevention, which is
particularly effective when addressing community-wide resistance (Toseland and Rivas, 2017).
1.2. Indicate with a motivation, a suitable type of group to fulfil your task. (3)
A social goals group is suitable for this task. Social goals groups aim to bring about change that
benefits a broader community or society, rather than just individual members (Zastrow, 2015). In
this case, the goal is not only to educate the men personally but also to change the destructive
social norms in Taung regarding Lenacapavir and "dipitsa." By empowering the men in the group,
they can become agents of change who spread accurate information to other men in the village,
thereby addressing the community-level problem of HIV prevention.
1.3. How would you maintain confidentiality in this group? (3)
Maintaining confidentiality requires a multi-layered approach. First, during the initial session, I
would facilitate a discussion on why confidentiality matters and guide members in creating their
own group rules, such as "what is said here, stays here" (Corey, Corey and Corey, 2014). Second, I
would model respectful behaviour by not sharing members' personal stories outside the group.
Third, rather than forcing a signed contract, I would ask for a verbal commitment, which fosters a
moral obligation among members. If a breach occurs, the group would address it collectively based
on the agreed-upon consequences, rather than simply expelling the member (Toseland and Rivas,
2017).
, 1.4. Explain with a practical example how you would build group culture. (5)
Building group culture involves intentionally shaping the values, norms, and interaction patterns of
the group (Shulman, 2016). For example, to build a culture of openness and trust, I would use a
structured introductory activity in the first session. I would place a bowl of wrapped sweets in the
centre and ask each member to take a few. For each sweet, they must share one fact about
themselves, such as "why I care about the health of this village." I would begin by sharing my own
story first, demonstrating vulnerability and respect. As members follow, they learn that
self-disclosure is safe and valued. Over time, this practice establishes a group culture where
members feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics like sexual health and traditional medicine
without fear of judgment.
1.5. Explain the benefits of emotional bonds in group work and indicate how you will enhance
them in this group. (5)
Emotional bonds, also known as group cohesion, are essential because they create a sense of
belonging, safety, and mutual trust (Yalom and Leszcz, 2020). When members feel emotionally
connected, they are more likely to disclose personal struggles, accept feedback, and remain
committed to the group's goals. To enhance these bonds in this group, I would: (1) use cooperative
tasks, such as having members work in pairs to design a "guide for brothers" about Lenacapavir,
which builds interdependence; (2) acknowledge and reinforce moments of mutual support, for
example, saying, "Thank you for supporting him so honestly"; and (3) invite a former community
member who successfully used Lenacapavir to share their story, creating an emotional connection
to the positive outcome.
1.6. In view of the principles of group composition, would you perhaps prefer your group to be a
heterogeneous group? Substantiate your answer. (3)
Yes, I would prefer a heterogeneous group. A heterogeneous group includes members with diverse
backgrounds, attitudes, and experiences (Toseland and Rivas, 2017). In Taung, if the group
consisted only of men who strongly opposed Lenacapavir, it would likely reinforce their existing
misconceptions. By including men of different ages, occupations, and initial attitudes—some
sceptical, some open—the group introduces cognitive dissonance. This diversity stimulates
discussion and allows members to hear perspectives they might not encounter otherwise, which is
more likely to promote genuine attitude change.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
2026
DUE OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1. Indicate with a motivation, the suitability of group work as a method to assist you with this
task. (2)
Group work is suitable for this task because it uses mutual aid and peer support as a mechanism for
change (Shulman, 2016). In the context of Taung, where men are reluctant to use Lenacapavir due
to widespread misconceptions, a group provides a safe environment where members can challenge
each other's myths, share experiences, and learn collectively. Unlike individual counselling, the
group leverages peer influence to establish new, positive norms about HIV prevention, which is
particularly effective when addressing community-wide resistance (Toseland and Rivas, 2017).
1.2. Indicate with a motivation, a suitable type of group to fulfil your task. (3)
A social goals group is suitable for this task. Social goals groups aim to bring about change that
benefits a broader community or society, rather than just individual members (Zastrow, 2015). In
this case, the goal is not only to educate the men personally but also to change the destructive
social norms in Taung regarding Lenacapavir and "dipitsa." By empowering the men in the group,
they can become agents of change who spread accurate information to other men in the village,
thereby addressing the community-level problem of HIV prevention.
1.3. How would you maintain confidentiality in this group? (3)
Maintaining confidentiality requires a multi-layered approach. First, during the initial session, I
would facilitate a discussion on why confidentiality matters and guide members in creating their
own group rules, such as "what is said here, stays here" (Corey, Corey and Corey, 2014). Second, I
would model respectful behaviour by not sharing members' personal stories outside the group.
Third, rather than forcing a signed contract, I would ask for a verbal commitment, which fosters a
moral obligation among members. If a breach occurs, the group would address it collectively based
on the agreed-upon consequences, rather than simply expelling the member (Toseland and Rivas,
2017).
, 1.4. Explain with a practical example how you would build group culture. (5)
Building group culture involves intentionally shaping the values, norms, and interaction patterns of
the group (Shulman, 2016). For example, to build a culture of openness and trust, I would use a
structured introductory activity in the first session. I would place a bowl of wrapped sweets in the
centre and ask each member to take a few. For each sweet, they must share one fact about
themselves, such as "why I care about the health of this village." I would begin by sharing my own
story first, demonstrating vulnerability and respect. As members follow, they learn that
self-disclosure is safe and valued. Over time, this practice establishes a group culture where
members feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics like sexual health and traditional medicine
without fear of judgment.
1.5. Explain the benefits of emotional bonds in group work and indicate how you will enhance
them in this group. (5)
Emotional bonds, also known as group cohesion, are essential because they create a sense of
belonging, safety, and mutual trust (Yalom and Leszcz, 2020). When members feel emotionally
connected, they are more likely to disclose personal struggles, accept feedback, and remain
committed to the group's goals. To enhance these bonds in this group, I would: (1) use cooperative
tasks, such as having members work in pairs to design a "guide for brothers" about Lenacapavir,
which builds interdependence; (2) acknowledge and reinforce moments of mutual support, for
example, saying, "Thank you for supporting him so honestly"; and (3) invite a former community
member who successfully used Lenacapavir to share their story, creating an emotional connection
to the positive outcome.
1.6. In view of the principles of group composition, would you perhaps prefer your group to be a
heterogeneous group? Substantiate your answer. (3)
Yes, I would prefer a heterogeneous group. A heterogeneous group includes members with diverse
backgrounds, attitudes, and experiences (Toseland and Rivas, 2017). In Taung, if the group
consisted only of men who strongly opposed Lenacapavir, it would likely reinforce their existing
misconceptions. By including men of different ages, occupations, and initial attitudes—some
sceptical, some open—the group introduces cognitive dissonance. This diversity stimulates
discussion and allows members to hear perspectives they might not encounter otherwise, which is
more likely to promote genuine attitude change.
