An Evaluation of Sensitivity Training Effects on Self-Actualization, Purpose in Life, and Religious Attitudes of Theological Students

Abstract

An overview is presented of the “small groups movement” which is the context of sensitivity training in general and of this experimental study. Seven problems in the literature on group experiences are delineated. The nature and extent of small groups used in theological education are explored through catalogs of accredited seminaries. A research project is presented in which four groups of theological students were used to evaluate sensitivity training effects on self-actualization (Personal Orientation Inventory), purpose in life (Purpose in Life Test), and theological beliefs (Religious Attitude Inventory). A statistical analysis of data compared the two professionally-directed groups, the self-directed group, and the control group before and after treatment. T-groups did have an effect on the students who participated, but the changes were not consistent. There was no overall significant change in scores as the experimental treatments affected individuals differently.