Film-Mediated Facilitation of Self-Disclosure and Attraction to Sensitivity Training

Abstract

93 (47 male and 46 female) undergraduate volunteers were employed in a test of the effects of observation of sensitivity-training groups (via videotape) on Ss' willingness to self-disclose. All tapes began showing a T-group going through various trust exercises. Within each tape, attitudes toward self-disclosure were expressed by individual group members. Three tapes were used: disclosure, neutral, and concealment, named for the attitudes expressed. A fourth tape containing only the trust exercises was included to assess the effect of witnessing the trust exercises alone. A no-tape control group was also included. Results indicate no effect on self-disclosure. As predicted, Ss who saw the positive tapes were significantly more attracted to the taped group and to sensitivity training in general. Unexpectedly, the trust-exercise portion of the tapes alone appears to be sufficient to produce this effect.

Self-disclosure modeling in same-sex and mixed-sex unsupervised groups.

“…The effectiveness of videotaped models in accelerating self-disclosure is clearly shown in the current results. This supports reports by a number of authors (e.g., Berger, 1970) that videotaped models are effective in presenting appropriate counseling behavior in general and self-disclosure in particular (e.g., MacDonald et al, 1972;Rosengren, 1972).…”

“…Since its rather tentative introduction in practice in 1953 (Hartson & Kunce, 1973), the use of videotape in training counselors and clients has increased substantially (Berger, 1970). Self-disclosure in groups has been increased by exposing the members to a videotaped sensitivity group performing trust exercises (MacDonald, Games, & Mink, 1972), The effectiveness of videotape in eliciting selfdisclosure has been clearly demonstrated in both individual counseling sessions (Smith & Lewis, 1974) and in group settings (Annis & Perry, in press;Rosengren, 1972).…”