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Dimensions of experiential learning at group relations conferences
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Group relations conferences offer valuable learning for mental health professionals. Residential settings combined with strong institutional support and existing social ties yield the most significant self-assessed learning outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Professional Development
Background:
- Group relations conferences are increasingly utilized in the US and Europe for professional development.
- Limited research exists on the effectiveness of different group relations conference formats.
- Conferences vary in context, design, and participant/staff linkages, impacting learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of group relations training.
- To determine the differential effectiveness of various conference formats on member learning.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 477 professionals across 13 group relations conferences.
- Collected follow-up questionnaires from 60% of participants after three months.
- Analyzed conference variations in context, design (duration, intensity, setting), and linkages.
Main Results:
- Participants in residential conferences reported significantly more self-assessed learning than those in non-residential settings.
- Optimal learning was associated with residential settings, strong institutional sponsorship, and pre-existing social/authority linkages.
- Conference characteristics demonstrably impact member learning.
Conclusions:
- Group relations conferences provide unique learning opportunities for mental health professionals.
- Residential settings, robust institutional backing, and established connections enhance learning outcomes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of conference design on professional development.