Pregroup Interactions and Bonding in Small Groups

Abstract

This study experimentally varies conditions relating to the people with whom participants interacted prior to beginning a small learning group experience. Three conditions were estabhshed: participant-bonded, leader-bonded, and other-bonded. Rates of attending and remaining varied according to with whom participants interacted prior to the onset of the group; the best record was achieved in the participant-bonded condition. The lowest rates of attending and remaining were obtained m the leader-bonded condition. For the purpose of retaining members early in the life of a group, preliminary leader-member interactions are judged to be relatively ineffective. The conditions examined were found to be unrelated to evaluations of participant learning. Perceived personal compatibility that arises from prehminary peer interactions may help a group retain membership, but does not necessarily assure learmng or therapeutic change.