Chapter 16. Resistance: A Role Play
H.B. Karp
Goals
To provide an opportunity to experience the effects of two different approaches to dealing with resistance.
To increase awareness of typical responses to attempts to break down resistance.
To develop strategies for coping with resistance from others.
Group Size
Subgroups of five to seven members each.
Time Required
Two to two and one-half hours.
This activity is based on the Gestalt theory of resistance presented by Edwin C. Nevis at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.
Materials
A copy of the Resistance Team Member Role Sheet for each team member.
Two copies of the Resistance Rating Sheet for each team member (excluding the two vice presidents) in each subgroup.
A copy of the Resistance Role Sheet: Vice President A for the member from each subgroup who will play vice president A.
A copy of the Resistance Role Sheet: Vice President B for the member from each subgroup who will play vice president B.
A Resistance Data Analysis Chart (prepared on newsprint by the facilitator).
Newsprint and a felt-tipped marker.
Physical Setting
A room large enough for subgroups to listen to their vice presidents' presentations without being disturbed by other subgroups, or a separate room for each subgroup.
Process
The facilitator discusses the goals of the experience.
The facilitator divides the participants into subgroups of five to seven members each and directs each subgroup to select a member to play vice president A and one to play vice president B.
The facilitator ...
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