Research on feedback acceptance in sensitivity groups has consistently found that subjects rate positive feedback more credible than negative, a phenomenon referred to as the "credibility gap." To assess subjective distortion versus actual differences in credibility as an alternative explanation for the different ratings given positive and negative feedback, the ratings of recipients, i.e., subjects who participated in sensitivity groups and received positive and negative feedback, were compared with those of observers, i.e., subjects who observed the sensitivity groups and the feedback on videotape. Analyses of the results suggested that both factors were responsible for the "credibility gap." Both recipients and observers rated positive feedback more credible than negative; however, recipients rated their positive feedback more credible and their negative feedback less credible than observers did. The findings point to the questionable value of negative feedback in eliciting behavior change. (Author/MCF)