Sensitivity training

Sensitivity training is a method used in group therapy sessions to assist the individuals who participate to increase their effectiveness in self-fulfilment and in relating to others. Personal experience in the group is used to make individuals more aware of themselves and of the manner in which they affect others and are in turn affected by them. It is thus possible to reduce fixed reactions toward other people and to achieve social sensitivity.

The main feature of the method is the expression by each individual of his perception of others present, thus revealing and sharing personal concerns, emotional conflicts, and commonalities of experience in relation to others. The trainer in the group refrains from taking on any traditional role as a group leader or lecturer and attempts instead to clarify the group processes using incidents as examples to clarify general points or provide feedback.

Sensitivity training is in many respects similar to group psychotherapy but tends to focus only on matters which can be dealt with reasonably within the relatively brief period which is usually available. It does not inquire into historic roots of behavioural patterns, into socially taboo areas such as sexual mores, or into the realm of the truly unconscious impulses and defences. Its aim is more re-educative than re-constructive, depending more upon insight and corrective emotional or behavioural experiences than those of genuine therapy. The method is widely used in management training sessions in business and industry.