Yalom's four stages of group development are listed in which correct order?

• A. Orientation, Conflict, Cohesion, Termination
• B. Initial, Transition, Working, Termination
• C. Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing
• D. Beginning, Middle, End, Closure

Answer: (B)

Yalom’s sequence shows how a group naturally develops from setting up how it will work to concluding the group. The first stage is about creating structure and safety—members get to know each other, the purpose is clarified, rules and boundaries are established, and trust begins to form. Next, tensions surface as people test roles and authority; this Transition phase involves conflict and resistance but is a necessary turning point for the group to renegotiate norms. Once these issues are worked through, the group enters the Working stage, where collaboration improves, interpersonal trust deepens, and the group can engage in meaningful, productive tasks. Finally, Termination focuses on summarizing progress, consolidating learning, and managing the feelings that come with ending. This order—Initial, Transition, Working, Termination—best reflects Yalom’s model. Other frameworks (like Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing) describe different labelings or sequences, and some options use synonyms such as Orientation or Cohesion that don’t capture the same specified progression.