The Experimental-Gestalt Growth Group

Volunteer college students participated either as members of two experimental experiential-Gestalt growth groups or as members of a control group. The experimental groups met for one two hour period per week for eight weeks. It was hypothesized that the experimental group members would change significantly in the direction of increased self-actualization as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) while the nontreatment control group members would not. A comparison of pre- and posttest scores for the groups indicated no significant effects of the group process. Increases occurred over the nine week period for both experimental and control subjects. The importance of proper control groups is stressed. Implications for further research indicate a need to identify factors which cause control group members to change in the direction of increased self-actualization without participation in an intensive group process