Play is an increasingly popular process for working with groups of adults in a range of contexts. We are increasingly sophisticated in our ability to integrate creative forms of play into our facilitated work with groups, often with excellent outcomes. Experience and research have deepened our understanding of how to design and implement powerful…

Describes a model for sequential stages of group development based on yogic chakra system. Compares chakra-based model with other models of group developmental stages. Using context of chakra system, specifies basic dynamic issues and leader interventions for each stage and discusses relationship of individual development to group process. (Author)

Adolescent girls who were referred to a guidance counselor because of lack of academic interest, erratic attendance, or uncooperative behavior participated in this study conducted at a large, urban, public school. Two groups were formed and the function of humor and laughter explored. (BJG)

This book describes a program that deals with group dynamics and applies encounter group techniques to the training of teachers. The program consists of two weeks of encounter during the summer; a 3-day workshop just prior to the start of school; and monthly curriculum workshops, monthly encounter groups, and periodic visitations throughout the…

Examined effects of a structured learning time interval (SLTI) in growth groups on member self-esteem, perceived level of group interaction, and verbal participation in 81 undergraduate college students. Found use of SLTI had no significant effect on self-esteem, perceived interaction, or verbal participation. (Author/ABL)

Describes the author's experience of and reflections concerning a group workshop facilitated by Michael Tlanusta Garrett of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. Provides information about the Native American teachings and traditions of the four winds, balance, and harmony, and discusses the use of self by group leaders as a powerful therapeutic and…

This study of whether social-psychological orientations are cause or effect of action in groups presented no simple answer, but findings indicate that interpersonal and status factors can determine peace group memberships and biographical data suggest that orientations predisposing to peace group membership take shape in youth and early adulthood…

Addresses the potential of camp to promote self-esteem and nurture a sense of community. Summarizes articles in this journal issue that focus on individual and group behavior including homesickness, how camps can promote positive attitudes toward disabled campers, and a camp program that provides respite care for families of children with AIDS.…

This is a position paper on the place of training in group process and participation in groups as part of teacher education. (Editor/RK)

Proposes that many works of art can be viewed as the products of a group and not just the individual artist. Examines the life history of a group of impressionist painters. Discusses how a group develops over time, group processes, and how the group contributes to artistic development. (RC)

Group Adventure Initiative Tasks require the successful completion of a group task or objective and then provide debriefing and reflection on group processes and individual behaviors. A model of responsible action provides a framework for debriefing by charting behaviors and outcomes of choosing to respond to a situation as "victim"…

Sensitivity training is one type of experience-based learning in which participants work together in a small group over an extended period of time learning through analysis of their own experiences. The primary setting is the T Group (T for training) in which a staff member sets up an ambiguous situation which allows participants to choose the…

Marathon groups offer individuals an opportunity to engage in intensified, authentic personal encounter with each other in a small group setting, usually with 10-15 persons in a group. This is a report of tentative findings at the Student Life Center, University of Colorado. There were three matched groups, each with nine sophomores. The first…

Investigated the effects of valence, session of delivery, and order of delivery on receiver ratings of feedback credibility. Collected data from personal growth groups. Positive feedback was readily accepted. Negative feedback was significantly more accepted when received in later sessions, and when preceded by positive feedback. (Author)

Recent research in group behavior and organizational development is centered around increasing the individual's self-esteem and on developing individual participation in group success. Effective groups depend on a variety of individual contributions and shared decision making, while in turn satisfying human needs for security, achievement, and…