Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) Counselor Practice Exam

The last stage of group development is characterized by the conclusion of the group's activities and the emotional and psychological process of members letting go of the group structure. This stage, known as adjourning, involves reflecting on the achievements of the group, addressing feelings of loss and separation, and preparing to move on to new experiences or groups. During adjourning, members may feel a mix of satisfaction about their accomplishments and sadness about the group's dissolution, allowing them to transition effectively to subsequent groups or tasks.

In contrast, the performing stage focuses on the group's ability to work collaboratively and effectively toward their goals, while the storming stage often involves conflict and tension as group members navigate different personalities and ideas. The norming stage is a phase where the group establishes strong relationships and cohesive norms. Each of these earlier stages serves specific functions in the group dynamics that precede the final adjourning stage.