Affective and Perceptual-Cognitive Patterns in Sensitivity Training Groups

To document the possible occurrence of developmental trends in sensitivity training groups, the affective and perceptual-cognitive patterns during a 1-wk. conference were studied. The conference was attended by 45 Ss who were divided into four training (T) groups. (The data from 43 Ss who completed all instruments were used in the analyses.) The recently developed Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL), which measures Anxiety, Depression, and Hostility, was administered just prior to the conference and at the end of each of the eight small group sessions; five nine-point scale questions were administered at the end of each of the eight small group sessions. Analyses of covariance revealed significant differences among groups for 4 of 8 variables. Analyses of variance indicated significant session differences on all 8 variables. Some similarity of group trends over sessions, therefore, is present. However, group by session interactions were significant for 6 of the 8 variables, which implies some degree of dissimilarity of the group trends over sessions. Thus the hypothesis of consistency of trends from one group to another is not supported. Inter-correlations among the 8 dependent measures suggest 2 primary clusters. The findings are discussed in terms of current theory and research. Suggestions for additional investigation are included.