Interpersonal Challenge: A Source of Growth in Laboratory Training

Abstract

This study tests the hypothesis that growth in human relations training is furthered by working through challenging personal relationships. A high-challenge relationship is one in which the parties hold expectations that are not fulfilled by the other's behavior, so that interaction is problematic. In this study, interpersonal expectations and behavior styles were measured with Leary's Interpersonal Check List. Greater individual growth, as measured by a "Critical Incidents" Questionnaire, occurred in high-challenge dyads; groups that made the greatest progress according to trainer ratings contained many high-challenge pairings. In highgrowth groups, a greater proportion of energy and activity was focused on high-challenge relationships than in low-growth groups.