A research in the effects of active listening on corporate mental health training

Abstract

The effects of mental health training for corporate administrators, using Active Listening (Experiential Listening) as a major method was investigated. Sixty subjects took part in the mental health training program which consisted of 2 two-day workshops (a total of 30 hr). The workshop program consisted of a lecture on stress, techniques of relaxation, the practice of Active Listening, and sharing of personal communication experiences in the workplace. Questionnaires which measured the Type A behavior pattern and the effects of Active Listening were collected in the first and last training sessions. The results showed significant differences in the degree of listening in the workplace in six of 27 items in the listening questionnaire and significant differences in three of seven items in the Type A questionnaire. Active Listening training seems to promote the attitudes of 'listening genuinely' or 'listening seriously' to workers. The practice of better listening may decrease the characteristics of the Type A behavior pattern such as 'being busy' or 'making others busy.' The mental health method focusing on Active Listening is discussed as a useful training technique for corporate mental health.