Role Expectations and Behaviors in a Group Home Program

Patients and staff participating in a group home program operated by the Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, were interviewed to determine their perceptions of what constitutes acceptable behavior and how the groups functioned. The interviews indicated that the behaviors accepted by group members—their own norms—differed markedly from the norms set by staff. The only behavior highly valued by both staff and group members was helping with house-hold tasks. Staff placed great emphasis on personal hygiene and on participation in a daily work activity and a weekly group social activity, while group members placed emphasis on controlling open expressions of hostility.