An experimental study of the effects of small-group, face-to-face facilitated dialogues on the development of self-actualization levels: A movement towards fully functional persons

This study explored the relationship between the dialogue process and self-actualization levels. It was hypothesized that small-group face-to-face facilitated dialogues would increase self-actualization levels.; As human systems become increasingly complicated, many people and/or communities are finding themselves unable to actualize their human potentials. In response, many social programs have emerged. Some social theorists contend that these programs are producing paradoxical results. Instead of helping people and/or communities actualize their human potentials, they are limiting them from doing so. They speculate that if people and/or communities are not provided opportunities to develop their potentials, they will become dependent upon social support/programs.; Maslow's theory of motivation provides a possible explanation. Theoretically, people and/or communities may be better able to meet the demands of modern life if they are able to actualize their human potentials.; An experimental pretest, posttest control group study was conducted. Participants were assigned into four groups. Groups 1 through 3 were experimental groups; each group was assigned five participants. Each experimental group engaged in six weekly dialogue sessions; each session lasted two hours. Experimental group participants were administered pre and post-tests to measure their pre and post-treatment self-actualization levels. There was no variation in treatment between the experimental groups. Group 4 was a control group. It had 15 participants. They were administered pre and post-study surveys to measure their self-actualization levels.; Jones and Crandall's (1986) Self-Actualization Short Index was utilized as the pre and post-test instrument.; The null hypothesis was accepted. There was no significant difference between pre and post-test means. Participating in small-group, face-to-face facilitated dialogues did not increase self-actualization levels.; This study was delimited/limited by a poorly defined norm-reference group, insufficient time span for the dialogue process to develop, inadequate training on the dialogue process, and theoretical ambiguity. These delimitations and limitations might have been mitigated and/or eliminated by: targeting a defined norm-reference population, increasing the duration of the study, improve the training program (e.g., increase facilitator interaction and conduct impromptu training), the creation of a theoretical model that clarifies the content representation and operationalization of self-actualization of the self-actualization process.