The Yankelovich (DYG, Inc.) Study: Analysis of The Landmark Forum and Its Benefits

What Participants Report

"More than 7 out of 10 found The Landmark Forum to be one of their life's most rewarding experiences. To me, this suggests that it addresses many of people's most profound concerns - to improve their personal relationships, how to be a more effective person, how to think productively about their lives and goals."

A survey was conducted of more than 1300 people who completed The Landmark Forum during a three-month period. Prior to their Landmark Forum, people were asked what they expected to achieve in the course; after The Landmark Forum, they were asked about the benefits they actually received.

Daniel Yankelovich, Chairman of DYG, Inc., a noted social scientist and public opinion analyst, as well as a leading researcher of values and future trends who has been conducting these kinds of studies for more than 30 years, did an analysis of the survey.

The following charts indicate the value reported from The Landmark Forum, the benefits most often cited as a result of their participation, and their level of satisfaction.

Value of The Landmark Forum

Participants were asked the degree of value they felt The Landmark Forum had in the areas listed below. The possible responses were: Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor.

Profile of Participants

These charts indicate the distribution of participants by age, educational level, and occupation. The greatest number of participants are in their mid-twenties to mid-forties. On the whole, they are very well educated, with 87% indicating some college work, well over half having completed college, and 20% holding postgraduate degrees. Participation is distributed fairly evenly between women and men, and among married, single, and previously married adults.

Satisfaction Levels

The degree to which The Landmark Forum fully met the expectations of those attending for these reasons:

Unexpected Benefits

Nearly every participant in the Yankelovich survey reported receiving some entirely unexpected benefits from The Landmark Forum. These benefits ranged from an ability to control weight to achieving a specific educational or business goal. Unexpected benefits were most frequently noted in nine areas:

1. Greater confidence and self-esteem
2. A new ability to express thoughts and feelings, both publicly and privately
3. Job is more enjoyable and satisfying
4. Better relationships with co-workers
5. More comfortable and at ease with others
6. Less concerned with the approval and opinion of others
7. Better relationship with parents and family members
8. Overcame a fear or anxiety
9. Have more fun in life