Surprisingly, after a period of conflict, groups tend to develop a greater cohesiveness, mutual trust and a sense of belonging between members.

This is a period of negotiation – working out the group norms – and can be a positive and stable time, when members of the group begin to take on responsibility for the emotional and social well-being of the group.  This activity is called group maintenance.  From here on, the group can begin to centre its attention on the aims or tasks of the group.