sensitivity group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. While therapeutic, it is generally less clinical than group therapy and may focus more on personal growth, communication skills, and interpersonal awareness, often in an organisational or non-clinical setting.

The specific term is less common now, having peaked in the late 20th century. However, the practices live on in modern forms like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) workshops, team-building retreats, and certain group coaching or reflective practice models.

The facilitator guides the discussion, ensures psychological safety, establishes ground rules, manages emotional intensity, and helps the group reflect on the interpersonal processes occurring within the session.

This is ethically complex. While organisations can mandate training, the deeply personal nature of sensitivity groups means mandatory participation can be counterproductive and is often discouraged by ethical practitioners in favour of voluntary engagement.

A group of people who meet regularly to discuss personal feelings, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics in a structured setting, often with the goal of increasing self-awareness and empathy.

Sensitivity group is usually formal, psychological/clinical, corporate in register.

Sensitivity group: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsensəˈtɪvəti ɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsensəˈtɪvəti ɡruːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.