Training in Human Relations for Dormitory Resident Assistants

Abstract

The study was designed to determine whether resident assistants could develop the human relations skill of affective sensitivity within a short period through a teaching program integrating didactic and experiential techniques. Two groups of 16 randomly assigned resident assistants were placed in experimental and control groups. The trained group participated in a 4-hr. workshop composed of exercises structured to enhance accurate identification of expressed affect, while the control group received no training. Posttest data demonstrated significant improvement by the group who received training. The value of teaching affective sensitivity for informal counseling and the application of integrated training programs for other populations were discussed.