The group style known as "encounter group" was developed by which figure?

The group style known as "encounter group" was developed by which figure?

• A. Rogers
• B. Pratt
• C. Adler
• D. Lewin

Answer: (A)

The encounter group is a form of group therapy that emphasizes direct, authentic interpersonal interaction in the moment, with emphasis on sharing feelings, giving and receiving feedback, and moving toward greater self-awareness. This approach grew out of Carl Rogers’s person-centered ideas, extending his emphasis on empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard into a group setting. In these groups, participants are encouraged to be open about their experiences and to respond to others with genuine listening and feedback, aiming to accelerate personal growth through real-time emotional exploration. The movement gained traction in the 1960s as part of the human potential movement and influenced experiential, group-based work. Historically, other figures contributed to related areas of group work. Kurt Lewin helped develop group dynamics and T-groups, which focus on the process and functioning of groups rather than the intense emotional encounter Rogers promoted. Adler contributed to group counseling from his individual psychology perspective, but did not originate the encounter-group format. Pratt is less central to the development of encounter groups.

The encounter group is a form of group therapy that emphasizes direct, authentic interpersonal interaction in the moment, with emphasis on sharing feelings, giving and receiving feedback, and moving toward greater self-awareness. This approach grew out of Carl Rogers’s person-centered ideas, extending his emphasis on empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard into a group setting. In these groups, participants are encouraged to be open about their experiences and to respond to others with genuine listening and feedback, aiming to accelerate personal growth through real-time emotional exploration. The movement gained traction in the 1960s as part of the human potential movement and influenced experiential, group-based work.

Historically, other figures contributed to related areas of group work. Kurt Lewin helped develop group dynamics and T-groups, which focus on the process and functioning of groups rather than the intense emotional encounter Rogers promoted. Adler contributed to group counseling from his individual psychology perspective, but did not originate the encounter-group format. Pratt is less central to the development of encounter groups.