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Self-Worth & Identity / GRP157

Comparison Context Cards

Identify information hidden by a simple comparison between two people.

20 minutes / 3-12 participants / Adults and teens 13+ with appropriate facilitation

Download facilitator PDF · Download participant handout · Open activity / add to session

UNDERSTAND THE IDEA

Identity is larger than a difficult moment.

A person's meaning, relationships, culture, skills, and contributions extend beyond a symptom, diagnosis, or mistake. Encouragement is more useful when linked to observable effort or choices. Ask what the person recognizes in the description instead of assigning them a positive identity.

Facilitation lens: Invite the participant's language and community context. Do not require a strength narrative that minimizes grief, discrimination, or unmet needs.

Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.

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Materials

Paper or a printable handout, Pens or an accessible writing alternative, Optional blank cards or simple drawing materials

Fictional example

One person compares their progress with a friend's highlight reel.

Invite and agree - 3 minutes

Name the purpose and the right to pass, observe, write, or use fiction. Agree that people share only their own experiences and do not promise absolute group confidentiality.

Introduce the example - 3 minutes

One person compares their progress with a friend's highlight reel. Ask what is known and what is still a guess.

Practice: Card sort - 7 minutes

Identify information hidden by a simple comparison between two people. Write short statements drawn from the example on cards. Sort using the distinctions in the task, then discuss cards that could fit more than one place.

Reflect together - 4 minutes

What context changes the comparison? Ask what fit, what did not fit, and what would make the exercise more accessible. Do not interpret another person's response.

Choose a next step - 3 minutes

Invite one optional action, support request, or question to carry forward. Passing is a valid closing response. Confirm how to seek appropriate support outside the activity.

Adaptations and fit

Read the example aloud or offer written instructions. Allow typing, pointing, drawing, listening, and a support person where appropriate. Avoid mandatory movement, touch, or eye contact.

Let people choose identity language. Avoid appearance-based judgments, forced positivity, and assumptions about culture.

Conceptual reading and review status

Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending. Sources inform general facilitation principles; they do not validate or endorse this original plan.