The Effects of Gestalt Awareness Training on Experiencing Levels

Investigated the effects of Gestalt awareness training on the experiencing (EXP) level of group participants, examined the relationship of the Repression Sensitization (RS) Scale to EXP, and investigated the possible different effects of group treatment on RS personality type. 14 male and 12 female Ss, students in a community college, were randomly assigned to treatment groups; the experimental group took part in Gestalt awareness training for 8 weekly sessions of 2 hrs each. Two-way and 3-way ANOVAs (repeated measures design) were used to test for differences between repressers and sensitizers in both experimental and control groups. Results suggest (a) that approach defenses make little difference when an individual is directed to contact feelings and to explore them, and (b) that different group methods do not differentially increase the EXP level of different personality types.