With the growing application of personal-growth-group techniques to the enhance
ment of intra- and inter-personal actualizing, a great deal of speculative literature
has been generated concerning the possible benefits or damage to the participants.
Only recently have the results of a number of studies provided objective evidence
concerning the effects of group-therapy techniques. Such studies are, in part, the
result of the comparatively recent availability of relevant personality measures
sensitive to the measurement of change, including the Personal Orientation In
ventory (POI). The article summarizes and integrates the major findings from these
studies. The evidence is that positive change from pre- to post-test administrations
of the POI are significant for participants in growth-group experiences.
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