Development of Mutual Empathy through Experiential Growth Groups: A Mixed Methods Case Study

ABSTRACT

Grounded in the relational-cultural theory (RCT), this study aimed to illuminate mutual empathy bounded by semester-long experiential growth groups (EGGs). Following the case study design, we collected data from reflective journals, participant-observation, and quantitative surveys of 14 EGG participants. Findings illuminated mutual empathy as an interpersonal process capturing participants’ authentic self-representation, impact on others and the relationship, and their ability to be moved by and move with others. Quantitative results corroborated qualitative findings and yielded further insights concerning individualized trajectories of perceived mutual empathy within EGGs. Implications for training, practice, and research were discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Mutual empathy
• relational-cultural theory
• experiential growth groups
• interpersonal process
• case study design

Acknowledgments

Our acknowledgement goes to the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) who sponsored this study through the 2019 ASGW Research Grant.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Association for Specialists in Group Work [2019 ASGW Research Grant].

Notes on contributors

Yanhong Liu

Yanhong Liu, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and School Counseling Program Coordinator in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.

Peitao Zhu

Peitao Zhu, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.

Dan Li

Dan Li, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.