A Causal Analysis of Attitudes Toward Leadership Training in a Classroom Setting

Abstract

This paper presents a longitudinally replicated and cross-validated path analysis of the relations between students' attitudes in a leadership training program. Attitude toward thefacilitator as a person affects attitude toward the facilitator as a teacher and as a role model, and affects the student's sense of belonging in the group. Acceptance of others affects sense of belonging and feelings of self-acceptance. Attitude toward the class is affected by attitudes toward the facilitator as a role model and by sense of belonging. Willingness to speak out in class is affected by sense of belonging and by feelings of self-acceptance. The use of skills outside of class depends on attitude toward the course. Feelings of mastery depend on the willingness to speak out in the group and on the use of the skills outside of the class.