Which stressor is described as balancing group self-determination with an active leadership role in the beginning phase?

• A. Anxiety about gaining acceptance by the group
• B. Fear of creating dependency and self-consciousness in group members
• C. Integrating group self-determination with an active leadership role
• D. Uncertainty about the counselor's own role

Answer: (C)

In the beginning phase, the key dynamic is balancing group self-determination with an active leadership role. The stressor described here is precisely that tension: the counselor must provide enough structure and guidance to keep the group moving forward while also inviting members to participate, influence goals, and shape the process. When you integrate self-determination with leadership, you foster ownership and engagement, but you also need to set boundaries, model processes, and maintain safety and focus. If the leader leans too hard into direction, members may feel controlled and disengaged; if the leader steps back too far, the group can drift or become unproductive. This balancing act is characteristic of the initial stage, where establishing norms, roles, and a workable trajectory hinges on managing both autonomy and leadership.

The other stressors describe related concerns in early group work—anxiety about acceptance, fear of dependency, or uncertainty about the counselor’s role—but they don’t capture the specific challenge of coordinating member self-determination with an active leadership stance in the opening phase.