Journal of Counseling Psychology

Lewis, Kathleen N.; Walsh, W. Bruce

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.305pmid: N/A

Compared the nature of client reactions to an explicit as opposed to an implicit counselor communication of values and examined the effects of S–counselor value similarity on S's perceptions of and confidence in the counselor. 120 female undergraduates listened to a 15-min, audiotaped counseling interview in which the counselor was either explicit or implicit about her values and expressed either a pro or con attitude toward premarital sex. Ss were also divided into 2 groups (pro and con) on the basis of their attitudes toward premarital sex. Two control groups listened to a tape in which both the explicit and implicit value references were deleted. Results indicate no significant differences in the way explicit and implicit counselors were perceived. However, Ss were more willing to see a counselor with whom they agreed on the values issue than one with whom they disagreed. Ss hearing the explicit counselor value statement rated the counselor as more attractive and trustworthy when they agreed with her stated values than when they disagreed with them. (27 ref)

Rothmeier, Rosemarie C.; Dixon, David N.

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.315pmid: N/A

An extended counseling analog interview study was designed to evaluate the effects of counselor trustworthiness on counselor influence in an interview setting. 36 college males rated their achievement motivation (a) 1 wk before, (b) immediately following, and (c) 1 wk after the 2nd of 2 20-min individual interviews in which they explored their achievement motivation. Both interviews ended with an attempt by an interviewer to influence their achievement-motivation ratings. Four conditions were defined by (1) 2 male interviewers and (2) trustworthy and untrustworthy interviewer role performance. Results indicate that the role manipulation was successful. These role discriminations continued to persist, as measured by the 2nd role ratings taken 1 wk after the original ratings. Results indicate that interviewer trustworthiness had no immediate effect on interviewer influence but did exert a significant influence at the 1-wk follow-up testing. (12 ref)

LaCrosse, Michael B.

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.320pmid: N/A

Examined the predictive validity of the Counselor Rating Form (CRF) and tested S. R. Strong's model of the impact of counselor social influence on counseling outcomes. 36 15–32 yr old clients from a rural midwestern outpatient drug treatment program were asked to rate counselors after their initial interview and then after their final counseling session using the CRF. Precounseling and postcounseling scores were generated for each client using the method of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Scores from pre- and postcounseling CRF and GAS were used to study the relationship between initial client perceptions and postcounseling outcomes. The major hypothesis that a positive relationship would occur between final perceptions and outcomes was supported. Regression analyses produced a prediction equation using CRF variables that accounted for 35% of outcome variance. Results suggest the research and clinical utility of the CRF and the validity of the social influence model on which its dimensions are based. (43 ref)

Reardon, Robert; Kahnweiler, William

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.328pmid: N/A

Compared the equivalence of scores and preference for 2 forms of the Self-Directed Search (SDS). During the 1st testing session, 48 undergraduates were alternately assigned to complete the pencil-and-paper or tactile-board forms of the SDS. One week later, each S completed the other form of the SDS and a questionnaire designed to assess their preference for 1 of the 2 forms. Results indicate that the 2 forms were equivalent. There was no difference between Ss' overall preference for one form or the other; however, differential preferences did emerge when S sex and GPA were taken into account. (14 ref)

Atanasoff, George E.; Slaney, Robert B.

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.332pmid: N/A

Compared the effects of 3 counselor-free career exploration treatments, the interpretive format of the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII), the Self-Directed Search (SDS), and the Vocational Card Sort (VCS), using 140 undergraduate women. One significant group effect was found, indicating that the SDS and VCS Holland themes were more closely related to the expressed choices of Ss than were the SCII themes. A comparison of the number of significant pretest/posttest and interaction effects suggests that reactivity is a potential issue of concern and that overall, few treatment differences exist. The significant effects found tentatively suggest that the general occupational themes of the SCII may cause some confusion in Ss seeking confirmation of their expressed choices. No significant differences were found between the groups on the Ss' perceptions of sex bias in the instruments. (27 ref)

Brown, Steven D.

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.340pmid: N/A

40 21–60 yr old clients of a community mental health center were randomly assigned to either a coping-skills training program based explicitly on a psychoeducational model or a group-counseling control condition. Ss in the psychoeducational program were provided with 30 hrs of instruction and training in progressive relaxation, anxiety management, social skills, and self-reinforcement procedures. Group-counseling control Ss received an equal amount of attention devoted to analyzing personal problems with anxiety and interpersonal relations but with no direct skills training. Significant differences between the 2 groups on measures of general anxiety, fear, and assertiveness emerged immediately after treatment and at a 3-mo follow-up. Further analyses revealed that Ss were similar in terms of major demographic characteristics to clients who did not volunteer for training, that a greater percentage of program Ss than control Ss scored in the range of a sample of "normal" Ss on 2 of the 4 dependent measures, and that fewer program Ss were hospitalized within 1 yr after participation than were control Ss. (16 ref)

Gray-Toft, Pamela

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.346pmid: N/A

Outlines a new role for counseling psychologists in assisting health care professionals to develop resources for coping with the stress of the hospital environment. A counseling support program for hospice nurses was evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in reducing self-reported stress, increasing job satisfaction, and decreasing staff turnover among 17 female nurses in a large, private general hospital. Data from a background characteristics questionnaire, the Nursing Stress Scale, the Job Description Index, and hospital records on staff turnover were used. Data analysis included a multivariate profile analysis of preprogram scores, correlated t tests of pre- and postprogram scores, a repeated-measures ANOVA of job satisfaction scores, and a comparison of turnover among the nursing staff of 5 hospital units. Results indicate that the program was effective in reducing nursing stress and increasing job satisfaction at the .05 level. Preliminary evidence indicates that the program may have resulted in decreased staff turnover. (28 ref)

O'Neil, James M.; Ohlde, Carroll; Barke, Charles; Gelwick, Beverly Prosser; Garfield, Nancy

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.355pmid: N/A

Assessed the effects of a 4-wk workshop designed to enhance the awareness of 60 college women about sex role and career factors and to expand their sex role attitudes and self-concepts. During the workshop, portions of a 28-min videotape were presented to Ss and discussed each wk in small groups. The videotape presentation is a direct application of a model depicting factors affecting both sex role socialization and career decision-making processes. Treatment effects were assessed by means of 5 career and sex-role instruments in a pretest/posttest control-group design. Results indicate that treatment Ss spent more time thinking about their career planning, described themselves as being more "masculine," and reported investigative, social, and enterprising careers as being more appropriate career choices than control Ss. The workshop appears to have expanded Ss' "masculine" sex role self-concepts and changed their attitudes about the appropriateness of 2 stereotypic masculine career areas (investigative and enterprising). (59 ref)

Casas, Jesús M.; Furlong, Michael J.; Castillo, Sylvia

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.364pmid: N/A

78 university and college ethnic minority counselors identified on a questionnaire the types of on-the-job stress they encounter and the availability of self-help networks and/or other mechanisms used to cope with such stressors. The responses from Ss who indicated they had an adequate self-help network were compared with responses from Ss who felt that their self-help network was inadequate. Ss with inadequate self-help networks indicated they were experiencing more on-the-job stress, perceived the university as less supportive of their role as a "minority" counselor, and identified more conflict of role definition between themselves and their supervisors than Ss with adequate self-help networks. Both groups of Ss indicated that they preferred to rely primarily on themselves for support when experiencing stress but that they would also turn to a professional associate, family member, or work associate to help them cope with job-related stress. Implications for the training of minority persons as counselors are discussed, and strategies are suggested for facilitating the development of viable self-help networks. (27 ref)

Gantt, Susan; Billingsley, Donna; Giordano, Jeffery A.

doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.27.4.374pmid: N/A

Investigated changes in empathic sensitivity in paraprofessionals as a result of training and examined the maintenance of changes 6–24 mo after training. Also explored was the relationship of verbal intelligence to changes. 47 students in an associate degree mental health/human service program participated. Each S completed a 10-wk training course in 1 of 4 groups. Each was given the Recognition Assessment––Empathy (RA––E) on completion of the course and 6–24 mo later. Ss in 2 groups were also pretested on the RA––E. Empathetic sensitivity did increase after the course, confirming previous research, and changes were not only maintained but increased over time to a level comparable with a normative group of experienced clinicians. Course drop-out and selection effects were judged to be minimal. No significant relationship emerged between verbal intelligence and empathic sensitivity either before or after training. (15 ref)