Process-play: A simulation procedure for group work training

Abstract

Training group leaders creates a dilemma between participation in a training group and a student's right to privacy. Process-play is an experiential training group structure that addresses this dilemma. Students participate in a training group through a mask, whereby they differentially respond to certain group members on the basis of superficial characteristics. This introduces an attributional bias such that students attribute group behavior to the mask instead of stable personality characteristics, protecting students from potentially damaging consequences of self-disclosure. Unlike traditional role-play, students bring their personal issues and concerns to the training group, allowing for important interpersonal learning to occur.