The effectiveness of the gestalt two chair counseling technique in reducing paper presentation anxiety.

Abstract

Conflict is defined as simultaneous arousal of two or more incompatible motives (Houston, 1985). The Gestalt two chair technique resolves conflict by using "dramatization" to allow the individual to view their cognitions from different perspectives. Conflict resolution is characterized by reduced anxiety and elevated performance and mood. Decision making also causes anxiety, especially when decision choices are unknown as they are in a novel task. The present study attempted to determine the effectiveness of the Gestalt two chair technique in reducing the conflict produced by performing a novel task, presenting a paper at a conference. Given the documented effectiveness of the technique in resolving other types of conflict, the present study hypothesized that exposure to the intervention would reduce the conflict caused by deciding to present the paper. Two groups of subjects were randomly assigned to the control or treatment groups. Control subjects completed the pretests, presented their paper and completed the posttests. Experimental subjects followed the same sequence except exposure to the two chair technique was introduced between the pretest and presentation phase. Results indicated a reduction in anxiety and elevation of performance and mood. However, a methodological flaw confounded the effect of the treatment with the presentations. Suggestions for correcting the flaw are discussed.