Effects of consciousness-raising groups on measures of feminism, self-esteem, and social desirability.

Abstract

Subjects in two consciousness-raising groups were objectively assessed to determine whether changes relating to self-reported profeminist attitudes and behaviors and relating to self-esteem and social desirability would occur. Twenty-two female undergraduates were randomly assigned to either a 16hour marathon group format or a 2-hour, 8-week time-spaced group format. Twelve additional females who took objective measures at the same time as one of the two groups acted as no-treatment control subjects. All experimental subjects significantly shifted toward more self-reported profeminist attitudes and behaviors both at posttesting and at follow-up. The two personality measures did not reveal any lasting changes. When compared with each other, subjects in the two time formats did not evidence any significant differences. When compared with control subjects, time-spaced subjects reported significantly more profeminist behavioral changes and an increase in self-esteem. Marathon subjects were significantly different from controls on the profeminist attitude measure. The purpose for which consciousnessraising groups have been formed was empirically supported by desired changes reported by subjects in relation to more profeminist attitudes and behaviors. Whether participation in consciousness-raising groups produces increases in self-esteem and decreases in the need for social approval is in need of further assessment.

Attributions of the Term Feminist: A Factor Analytic Development of a Measuring Instrument

“…Thus, this study showedfeminism to be the third of four choices of terminology. Numerous scales exist to measure attitudes toward feminist-movement issues (Elmore, Brodsky, & Naffziger, 1975;Follingstad, Robinson, & Pugh, 1977;Gilbert, Warner, & Cable 1975;Goldberg, 1976;Goldschmidt, Gergen, Quigley, & Gergen, 1974;Hymer, 1972;Jacobson, Anderson, Berletich, & Berdahl, 1976;Kirkpatrick, 1936;Lieberman, Solow, Bond, & Reibstein, 1979;Peterson, 1975;Sarup, 1976;Singer, 1974;Smith, Ferree, & Miller, 1975;Worell & Worell, 1977;and Zatlin, 1972). All of these instruments, however, measure an individual's agreement or disagreement with the goals and issues of "feminism," the ideology.…”

Reviewing effective components of feminist therapy

“…The original studies on consciousness raising groups (non-therapy groups) such as Kravetz et al (1983) and Follingstad et al (1977) found that participants' attitudes aligned with radical feminist beliefs and participants identi ed themselves as members of the feminist movement. Having feminist and/or radical political attitudes usually preceded participation in such groups.…”

Feministische Therapie – frauenspezifische Therapie – gendersensible Therapie

“…B., Brodsky 1973). Psychologinnen und Therapeutinnen begannen darüber hinaus, die Effekte von consciousnessraising systematisch zu untersuchen (e. g., Follingstad et al 1977) und schlugen es als alternative Ressource zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit von Frauen vor.…”