Publishing in the Journal for Specialists in Group Work: Understanding and Centering the Concept of Group Work

For individuals new to publishing in The Journal for Specialists in Group Work (JSGW), understanding how to center group work in their research and manuscripts may be challenging and depends upon a clear understanding of the concept of group work. JSGW frequently receives submissions where authors mistakenly equate “group work” with activities such as group projects, group services, or work completed within a group. While these activities involve collaborative efforts, they may need to be more precisely aligned with the comprehensive definition of “group work” outlined by the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW). ASGW defines group work as “a multifaceted professional practice that applies knowledge and skills in group facilitation to assist an interdependent assembly of individuals in achieving their individual, relational, and collective objectives” (p. 1, 2021). The definition of group work, as provided by ASGW’s Guiding Principles for Group Work (2021), distinguishes it from its usage in other contexts. Authors must grasp the fundamental aspects of group work to adequately center it in their writing to ensure their manuscript’s suitability for publication in the JSGW.

As the official publication of the Association for Specialists in Group Work, The Journal for Specialists in Group Work is an “indispensable resource for practitioners and educators engaged in group work across clinical, organizational, educational, and community settings,” (The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 2023, p.1). Additionally, The Journal for Specialists in Group Work supports scholars and practitioners who wish to enhance their understanding of all aspects of group work, including group process, group leadership theory, group development, group dynamics, group work interventions, group worker training, group modalities, assessment procedures, emerging trends, and research methodologies (The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 2023). The critical roles fulfilled by JSGW require that the manuscripts it publishes center group work so that information is relevant and useful.

The group process is at the heart of group work. It is a potent tool for fostering group member development and instigating change in individuals, organizations, and communities. Yalom and Leszcz (2020) characterized the group process as the overarching communication elements and interpersonal dynamics present in group member interactions. Interpersonal dynamics refers to the complex set of interactions and behaviors that occur between group members. These dynamics include elements such as communication styles, language proficiency, emotional responses, power relations, negotiations, and individual roles and identities. They influence overall group interaction patterns and how people relate to each other, collaborate, and resolve conflict. Understanding interpersonal dynamics is crucial for effectively managing and participating in group interactions, as these dynamics significantly affect group norms and culture, group cohesion, the effectiveness of group functioning, and group outcomes (Okech et al., 2023). Group process should take or share center stage in all group work-related articles that intend to inform group workers and educators of the intricacies of individual participation within groups, the interpersonal interactions unfolding within group settings, and the overall dynamics that are pivotal to the effective functioning of groups (Okech et al., 2023). It is imperative that articles published in the JSGW address group process and group dynamics, as these elements form the very core of effective group work practice (Okech et al., 2022).

Furthermore, the JSGW is a valuable resource that enriches comprehension of the dynamic field of group work. Within its pages, you will find articles promoting group work implementation, spanning a broad spectrum of group types – from task-oriented groups to psychoeducational groups to counseling and therapeutic groups (ASGW, 2021). Additionally, the journal aims to underscore the processes critical to group work efficacy by prioritizing manuscripts that integrate credible theory and research with practice. It offers practical guidance on group leadership and the training of group facilitators, as well as an understanding of group membership and supervision of group work (The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 2023).

Moreover, the JSGW strongly emphasizes manuscripts that foreground equity and social justice principles within group work research, theory, and practice. We firmly believe in fostering the development and publication of research, theoretical, and practice manuscripts that center the experiences of historically marginalized populations as group work educators, group workers, group members, and communities that may benefit from the action of groups. This commitment is pivotal for advancing and sustaining our profession, ensuring its effective service to underrepresented groups within our communities. The intersection of group process-focused manuscripts and our commitment to equity and social justice is where The Journal for Specialists in Group Work shines. We actively encourage authors to explore how group processes can catalyze positive change in communities. Articles that delve into the intersection of group dynamics and social justice issues highlight group work’s transformative potential for addressing systemic inequalities. These contributions are welcome and celebrated on our pages. In examining these intersections, we aim to provide a platform for articles documenting innovative ideas and practices that empower groups to drive meaningful change in multiple contexts. In counseling and therapy groups, it is essential to acknowledge the social and cultural context’s impact on group leaders, group members, relationships within the group, the group-as-a-whole, and its intercultural dynamics. The group process plays a crucial role in shaping the therapeutic experience, and it is essential to recognize how power and cultural factors may influence this process (Okech et al., 2022). Whether it is addressing disparities in access to mental health support, fostering inclusivity, or amplifying the voices of those historically marginalized, the JSGW is dedicated to advancing the field of group work through the lens of equity and social justice. In this way, group work, with its inherent capacity to foster collaboration and understanding, is vital in creating more equitable and just communities. The JSGW is committed to being at the forefront of this endeavor, promoting scholarship and the practice of group work as a force for positive social change.

In conclusion, if you are considering submitting a manuscript to the Journal for Specialists in Group Work, ensuring that your work aligns with our publication’s core criteria and values is essential. To guide you in this process, consider the following elements:

1. Definition: Your manuscript should be congruent with the established definition of group work provided by the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW). At some level, it should involve applying knowledge and skills in group facilitation to assist an interdependent gathering of people in reaching their individual, relational, and collective goals (ASGW, 2021).

2. Theory: Explore and integrate relevant group work leadership and development theories within your manuscript. A solid theoretical foundation enhances the depth and credibility of your work (The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 2023).

3. Evidence-Based Practice: Ground your manuscript in evidence-based practices and research on group work and group processes. Rigorous research and empirical evidence lend authority to your arguments and conclusions (Okech et al., 2022).

4. Literature: Engage with the existing literature on group work and related fields. Review the articles published in the JSGW to provide you with a framework for thinking about articles suitable for the journal. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the current scholarly discourse in group work adds depth to your contribution (Okech et al., 2022).

5. Group Context: To make your manuscript relevant and transferable to JSGW and its readership, provide a rich description of the groups or group work practices at the center of your manuscript. Among other characteristics, consider how leadership characteristics (including social location), screening, group composition, group duration, session length, and assessment may be informative if included (ASGW, 2021).

6. Implications for Practice: Clearly articulate the practical implications of your manuscript’s focus for group work practitioners, educators, and professionals. Showcase how your research, theory, or practice can be applied in real-world group work settings to drive positive change for group workers, group members, groups, and communities.

Finally, for manuscripts that address the intersection of group process-focused articles and our commitment to equity and social justice, we welcome submissions that shed light on how group work can be transformative in addressing systemic inequalities, fostering inclusivity, and promoting justice in communities. Manuscripts that explore these intersections are highly encouraged. By adhering to these criteria and considering the broader implications of your work in terms of equity and social justice, you can increase the likelihood of your manuscript being a solid fit for publication in the Journal for Specialists in Group Work. We believe in the power of group work to effect positive change, and we invite you to contribute to this mission through your research, theories, and practices that advance the field while aligning with our core values.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jane E. Atieno Okech

Jane E. Atieno Okech, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science, College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal for Specialists in Group Work.

Deborah J. Rubel

Deborah J. Rubel, Ph.D., is a Professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Counseling, Adult, and Higher Education, College of Education at Oregon State University and Associate Editor of the Journal for Specialists in Group Work.