As countless regional, national, and international accrediting bodies continue to employ student engagement measures as mechanisms for quality assurance, universities become more intent on achieving this important gauge of student success. Specifically, the growth in enrollment in distance learning programs adds a unique level of complexity…

The mirror is often used as a metaphor in the therapeutic literature to explain how we see and experience ourselves through others. An examination of therapeutic mirrors, real and figurative, precedes a discussion of mirroring in group process. The reflections of self encountered by a group member in the group as a whole, in a fellow group member,…

The results of this study indicated that participation in the encounter group experience did not effect any measured changes in members' self-concepts that were any different from those in the discussion groups or the controls. (Author)

Explores the effectiveness of videotape feedback in increasing self-awareness of individuals in a group situation. Videotape feedback appeared influential in increasing self-awareness by providing a neutral, nonevaluative means of giving and receiving feedback. Suggests as the process becomes more accessible more research is needed. (JAC)

In an effort to determine the effectiveness of group counseling with student nurses, 76 students enrolled in their first professional nursing course were randomly placed either in a counseling group or in a control group. As hypothesized, those students participating in the group counseling sessions received significantly higher grades in the…

Five propositions related to the values of the group experience in camping are argued: (1) the group experience is the essence of camping; (2) groups influence behavior and enhance mental health; (3) camps serve a variety of purposes; (4) knowledge of group dynamics can influence camp outcomes; and (5) good camps benefit society. An elaboration on…

This study investigated the basic question of whether there is actually measurable change in personality characteristics occurring during or subsequent to the encounter group experience. The study examined instruments which may prove useful in the detection of change in an objective and quantifiable mode which can be subjected to statistical…

This research looks at the effects of laboratory training on self concept. The gestalt and encounter approaches are employed to test the amount of self concept change possible in group experiences. (YRJ)

A psychologist suggests that in the coming years encounter groups and other techniques of the human potential movement will penetrate all aspects of our culture, as it allows people to get more in touch with their subjective inner experiences and to learn ways to communicate their experiences to others. (Author)

The current importance of growth groups in fostering and enhancing individual development gave rise to the research effort described herein. Its purpose is to determine whether or not an individual's self concept will change after involvement in a single twelve hour growth group. Subjects were four heterogeneous groups comprised of 39 individuals…

Beginning students in guidance and counseling comprised the two research groups: (1) a sensitivity-participatory group with activities ranging from T-grouping to sensory awareness to creative exercises; and (2) a didactic group in which the main focus was on instructor presentation of material relating to groups. The author sought to determine:…

The authors describe a drug prevention program for preadolescent children. The program tends to achieve its aims through the use of small group work and positive peer influence, development of positive self-concept and problem solving. Evaluation shows that it is influential in changing student characteristics. (SE)

Examines the "social interaction" of older adults as a communication phenomenon which influences self-concept. Explores older adult group processes, and gives specific applications of group methods. Suggests the importance of assessing and applying communication constructs to research on detection and prevention of social isolation through formal…

This research essentially presents an overview, historically and contemporarily, of the social-psychological concept of the reference group (or "other"), including theoretical and empirical literature reviews. Basic problems of definition and conceptual confusion are discussed. Concepts such as relative deprivation, anticipatory socialization,…

This study examines a specific Indian/Metis teacher education program which uses the group as a support system--the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) at Regina. SUNTEP is a part of the Elementary Teacher Education Program of the Univesity of Regina. This paper: (1) discusses the support services and systems provided as a…