SOME CONDITIONS FOR PERSONAL CHANGE IN SENSITIVITY TRAINING GROUPS AND PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUPS

Abstract

It has become progressively more difficult to distinguish between the apparent effects of sensitivity training, human relations or basic encounter groups, and those of conventional group psychotherapy. At first this bald statement seems to fly in the face of our common sense and professional experience. How can it be that people who experience short-term experiences which are not labeled therapeutic, react in ways similar to those of patient groups where the intention is to deal with neurotic problems of relatively long standing?