Which statement about primary groups is true?

• A. They are preventive and ward off problems.
• B. They focus on pathology.
• C. They are dyadic.
• D. They are always long-term.

Answer: (A)

Primary groups are designed to prevent problems before they arise by promoting healthy development, building skills, and strengthening protective factors. This preventive focus distinguishes them from groups that address existing pathology. They are not defined by focusing on pathology, being limited to two people, or requiring a long-term duration; rather, their purpose is to ward off problems, often through education and skill-building with multiple members rather than a dyadic format, and they can be short- or longer-term depending on goals. An example is a parenting skills group aimed at preventing child behavior problems, or a social-skills group for at-risk youth.