The impact of encounter groups: actualizing differences between a T-lab group and a humanistic psychology group

The most comprehensive study of the impact of encounter groups to date has been conducted by Lieberman et al. (1972). Results are reported by Lieberman in the book Encounter Groups: First Facts (1978). Studied were eighteen encounter groups representing ten approaches to personal change. T-groups are included; a humanistic psychology course group is not. The overall conclusion holds that the encounter groups show a modest, positive impact-an impact much less than portrayed by the encounter group supporters and less than one would assume from participants ’ self-reported views of change. Representative findings and conclusions reported include the following: The effect in some groups was fairly productive. In others it was innocuous, providing a degree of pleasurable stimulation, but little learning. Some participants were more’ harmed than benefited. These results are not satisfying to people who are convinced, want to believe, and want others to believe that encounter AUTHOR’S NOTE: For working up the statistical data the author i