Experiential Learning Groups: History, an Exploratory Case Study, and Possible Mechanisms of Change
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positive psychology
learning
groups
personal growth
Psychology
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Abstract
A diverse group of 30 adults attended a 3-day intensive experiential learning group intervention conducted by Foundations Seminars. Participants reported on measures of subjective well-being (life satisfaction and felt emotion) before and for 14 weeks after attendance. Repeated measures analysis demonstrates that participants significantly improved in all measures following attendance at the seminar (p < .03), with medium-to-large effect size (.5 < d < 1.2). Contrast analysis showed that participants maintained their subjective well-being throughout the follow-up period (p < .01). The report details possible group and individual mechanisms of change that may be utilized by the seminar to increase well-being. It also explores ways to minimize risk of psychological harm to participants.