The purpose of this paper is to look at the "shirker" (a person who avoids work, putting in effort and denies responsibility) using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Reality theories. To address this challenging behavior in therapeutic groups, evidence informed interventions and techniques will be utilized.
The Shirker.
According to Zastro (2013), the shirker is a disruptive group member who fails to do anything for the group, and when assigned certain tasks evades these responsibilities by using a variety of excuses. For example, in a group members are expected to think of a time when they have felt truly excited, the shirker is the one who doesn't actively participates and avoids the situation all together by not sharing any thoughts or acknowledging the thoughts of others.
The Conceptual Framework.
CBT is grounded on a scientific view of human behavior that implies a systematic and structured approach to counseling. It is most often used for eliminating maladaptive behaviors and learning more effective behaviors. It focuses on factors influencing behavior and offer solutions to problematic behavior. The types of learning processes used are: operant, respondent conditioning and modeling behaviors (Corey, 2013).
Reality Theory (Choice Theory) is grounded in the belief that the only persons behavior we can control is our own, and all we can give another person is information. Focuses on the present and avoids discussing the past. Incorporating these two theories helps to determine effective solutions in managing groups with members who rely on others to do the work. .
The transition stage of the Corey group development theory, members deal with ambivalence about participation within the group. The shirking group member would be dealt with during this stage because the characteristics of the stage is recognizing and dealing with conflict/resistance, and learning how to deal with difficult group members.