ABSTRACT This article analyzes Jirsong, the traditional youth group of the Karbis in Northeast India, as a self-contained and culture-embedded system of group life. Employing an Indigenous Participatory Approach along with the Two-Eyed Seeing framework, we analyze the function of Jirsong as an Indigenous Knowledge System and a practice consistent with Western theories of group work, mutual aid and empowerment. Based on ethnographic engagement with youth and elders in two Karbi villages, the evaluation indicates that Jirsong continues to be an efficacious source of moral and psychosocial support, cultivating leadership, belonging, and collective effectiveness amidst social disconnection and digital alienation. Synthesizing Indigenous and Western theoretical traditions, we argue that Jirsong is not merely a cultural tradition but a dynamic decolonial practice. We urge social work scholars and practitioners to recognize Indigenous group systems as significant paradigms that can enrich global theories and practices of group work.

ABSTRACT This article explores the role of social group work in providing relief to tribal communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the Baiga tribes, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the Maikal region of Central India. The project documents the experiences of a volunteer group that mobilized community resources to address the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations during the initial lockdown phase (March to June 2020). Drawing on qualitative data collected over 45 days, the project highlights the fundraising processes, community mobilization, and interaction with tribal households. It throws light on the grassroots-level interventions, challenges, and community responses encountered in 43 tribal habitations stretched across the Maikal region of the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. Findings indicate that the relief effort, which distributed pandemic relief kits to 1950 households, significantly alleviated food insecurity and provided vital support during the lockdown. The IASWG Standards/Framework are adopted while carrying out the project. This project contributes to the literature on social group work in emergency contexts, illustrating how small-scale initiatives can impact marginalized tribal communities during health crises.

ABSTRACT Due to consequences of social distancing stemming from concerns of contracting COVID-19, feelings of social isolation and loneliness have increased with adolescents. Lack of social connections can have several adverse mental and physiological effects, such as depression and inflammation. Social workers providing counseling need a deeper understanding of these psychological and neurobiological factors associated with isolation. To better equip social workers, I advocate for neuroscience-integrated counseling that can assist practitioners working with this population. Specifically, understanding group flow (combining groupwork and neuroscience/flow state) can be beneficial. I present a case exemplar where I explore group flow and conclude with implications for practice.

ABSTRACT This mixed-methods study (n = 60) explores the effectiveness of psychodrama in reducing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression in an inpatient drug and alcohol facility. Quantitative findings demonstrate an average decrease in PTSD by 45% and in depression by 69%. Qualitative data from participant surveys support the outcomes and shed additional light on participants’ experience participating in trauma-focused psychodrama. Both quantitative and qualitative outcomes suggest treatment effects were similar regardless of whether participants were the psychodrama protagonist, played a supportive role, or observed. Results add to the evidence-base of psychodrama as an effective group therapy approach for trauma and depression while supporting participants in their recovery from addiction. While there are limitations to this research design, findings contribute to the research base supporting psychodrama’s effectiveness as a group psychotherapy.

ABSTRACT Dalits, as ex-untouchable caste groups, are at the bottom of India’s hierarchical social structure and are on the margin in the social, educational, cultural, political, and economic spheres of society. Land is one of the vital resources which does not merely determine one’s socio-economic condition but also regulates social position in society. The historical marginalization and exclusion of Dalits denied them land ownership, which affects their socio-economic well-being. Therefore, the denial of Dalits from access to land ownership is not merely visible in their measurable socio-economic condition but also in their social position in society. However, over the period, the social and political mobilization of Dalits has emerged as a tool against structural discrimination and social exclusion, which contributed to their social and economic well-being. Therefore, drawing upon the experience of Lok Sangharsh Samiti (LSS) – an informal social group of Dalit community which was formed in 2002 for land rights in the District of West Champaran, Bihar, the article argues that collective struggle, informal collaboration, and social mobilization of Dalits contributed enormously to their land rights; and thus, Dalits are making a claim for social justice.

ABSTRACT Experiential learning provides a foundational understanding of the principles of group work. This qualitative study of majority female-identified, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students in both Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs evaluated the experiences of student learning. Students facilitated groups, were tasked to observe, and evaluate their peers’ facilitation skills. Data were collected from observational feedback forms, and thematic analysis was used. The study’s results indicate that group courses were effective in students’ learning and understanding the power of group process, cohesion, inclusion, and facilitation skills. These skills included helping the group stay on track, providing feedback, and the use of confrontation, when necessary. In addition, the experiential groups had several unanticipated learning outcomes: a) students learned the importance of diversity and inclusion in groups, b) interventions have different outcomes for group members and c) the power of silence in group process skills.

ABSTRACT Insecure attachment and underdeveloped mentalization are associated with high levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. To reduce such problems, the concept of Drama Triangle (DT) is often used in group treatment yet there is little research on how they are linked. Our aim is to examine the relationship between attachment, mentalization, externalizing and internalizing problems, and DT roles (Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor) as a mediator between them. A group of 266 participants completed an online questionnaire that included instruments for measuring these concepts. The results established anxiety as a positive predictor for all DT roles. Avoidance showed negative prediction for Rescuer and Persecutor. Hypomentalization and hypermentalization, respectively, predict Victim positively and Persecutor negatively. The victim in its turn is a predictor of internalizing, and Persecutor of both internalizing and externalizing problems. The study confirmed our major hypothesis concerning the mediating effect of DT roles, thus supporting their use in group work.