Training to enhance sensitivity to nonverbal behavior

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of role-playing as training for increasing the nonverbal sensitivity of counselors in training. The Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS) was used to measure the subjects' sensitivity to nonverbal expressive behavior and their ability to modify self presentation. Role-playing activities, designed to enhance participant's sensitivity to nonverbal cues, were conducted with the experimental group. A control group participated in a counseling class without special emphasis on nonverbal sensitivity. Both groups received the RSMS as a pre and post test. Two scores were obtained on the RSMS: ability to modify self presentation and sensitivity to expressive behavior. No significant difference was found between the experimental group and the control group for scores on the ability to modify self presentation. The experimental group did, however, have significantly improved scores on their sensitivity to expressive behavior. Results contribute to the literature about how to increase the sensitivity of counselors in training to the nonverbal cues of those they counsel.