This paper describes an action research study that illustrates the potential of group discussion to enhance reflexivity on professionals’ theoretical and technical models that foster a change in their practice when facing contemporary family diversity. Focus groups were carried out with thirty-five experienced professionals (females, N = 22; males, N = 12; mean age = 45 years) working in the Italian Health Care System (IHCS). Group discussions centered on clinical cases involving same-sex families, an emerging phenomenon in Italy and still subject to social stigma. Our results showed that group discussion allowed professionals to develop a communicative process through which they changed their initial prejudiced positions. This process was named the group re-orienting process and four progressive phases were recognized: (a) defense (b) familiarization with novelty (c) self-reflection and (d) generation. Each phase is described in detail using extracts from focus group data. Implications for training and intervention are discussed.
CITATION STYLE
Everri, M., Fruggeri, L., & Venturelli, E. (2015). The Power of Group Discussion: Enhancing Reflexivity in Professionals’ Practice When Dealing with Family Diversity. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 28(4), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-014-9332-1
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