The Effect of Bonyan-Method Experiential Marathon Structured Groups (BEMSG) on the Elements of the Five-Factor Model of Personality

Abstract

Various studies have shown the effectiveness of marathon groups on improving participants' personality components. For the first time, the present study has studied the effectiveness of one of the oldest marathon groups in Iran on the personality elements of the Big Five model in the nonclinical population. This study was performed quasi-experimental with an experimental (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). To meet the entry criteria, all applicants were screened while completing a comprehensive demographic questionnaire. The experimental group participated in the marathon group on three days in a row (for 36 hours) and three weekly follow-up sessions. At the end of the third follow-up session, the NEO FFI questionnaire was simultaneously given to the experimental and control groups. The mean difference statistical tests showed that the score of all personality elements in the experimental group compared to the control group had changed significantly (P <0.05). Among these, the largest effects size are related to "extraversion", "responsibility" and "openness to experience" (d> 0.4), respectively. Individual and group constructive experiential games and intensive and sequential feedback processes in Bonyan-method experiential marathon groups seem to improve the Big 5 personality components in the nonclinical population. Considering the relationship between improving the components of personality and mental health, it can be predicted that important steps can be taken to promote the community's mental health and prevent psychological damage by using these groups.