A bridge between training and practice: Mental health professionals' learning in group relations conferences

Summary

Tavistock group relations conferences were held for mental health trainees and staff in two different settings. Three month follow-up data were collected on the majority of members. The relationship between four sets of predictor variables: staff facilitation of learning; member participation; learning in the conference events; and learning about specific content areas; and four outcome criteria: overall learning; emotional impact; desire to attend another conference; and recommending such training to a friend were studied. As expected, in both conferences, staff facilitation, learning about specific content, and learning in conference events were all significantly positively related to members' perception of their own learning, emotional impact, desire to attend another conference, and recommendation of such training to a friend. The unanticipated finding that member participation in the conference is not related to any outcome criteria is discussed in terms of design and the nature of learning in group relations conferences. In Tavistock groups the emphasis on unconscious processes engages members both cognitively and emotionally but may lead to a lack of direct participation without a loss in learning.