Some psychiatric aspects of sensitivity groups.
Source
Can Psychiatr Assoc J 1971 Feb; 16(1):83-86
Abstract
Psychiatrists' impressions of the participation of their patients in sensitivity groups and training groups were assessed in relation to the psychological risks of participation in such groups. A total of three questionnaires were sent to 162 psychiatrists in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area at monthly intervals to assess mental problems arising after participation in training or sensitivity group sessions. A fourth questionnaire was mailed to 24 psychiatrists who had reported patients suffering from abnormal reactions following involvement in such training or sensitivity groups. A total of 19 persons of 2,900 individuals participating in such groups required acute psychiatric treatment consisting of psychotropic drugs with or without hospitalization. Five of the 19 affected individuals had participated in structured, task oriented management training groups as opposed to sensitivity groups requiring some physical contact. The author concludes that the small psychiatric risks associated with participation in sensitivity and training groups may be increased when the group activities involve touching or contact exercise and recommends that this be taken into consideration when advising patients about participation in such groups.
Keywords
NIOSH-Publication; NIOSH-Grant; Psychological-disorders; Risk-analysis; Mental-health; Personality-traits; Psychological-stress; Group-behavior
Contact
Psychiatry, Environ Health Cincinnati General Hospital Dept of Psychiatry Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
Document Type
Journal Article
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T01-OH-00129
Priority Area
Psychologic Disorders; Psychological-disorders
Source Name
Canadian Psychiatric Association Journal
Performing Organization
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
