| Summary: | The main aim of the theoretical part of the thesis is to introduce Encounter groups. The beginning deals with the main concepts of humanistic psychology and Person Centered Approach (PCA), from which Encounter groups have derived. Relevant key themes, such as definition of the Encounter groups, their aims, their comparison with psychotherapy, and the role of a facilitator, are examined. Furthermore, a therapeutic process, which is characteristic for the Encounter groups, as well as for the PCA in general, is thoroughly described. This is followed by a presentation of critiques and an overview of research regarding effectiveness and indication of the Encounter groups. The theoretical part of the thesis is concluded by discussion of application and potential of the Encounter groups. Central to the empirical part of the thesis is a quantitative research, which examines differences in three psychological characteristics (defence mechanisms, locus of control, and coping strategies) between two groups. A sample of actual members of an Encounter group is compared to a sample of people who decided to leave it. Furthermore, the empirical part presents predictive factors determining the decision to leave or stay in an Encounter group. Moreover, some results are interpreted by means of data from an additional...
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