Differences in the therapeutic functioning of paraprofessionals with varying lengths of experience

✍ Scribed by Douglas D. Polenz; Peter Verdi

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1977
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 416 KB
• Volume: 33
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-9762
• DOI: 10.1002/1097-4679(197710)33:4<1115::aid-jclp2270330444>3.0.co;2-j

✦ Synopsis

Measured differences in the ability of paraprofessionah to discriminate and communicate facilitative conditions in sychotherapy as a function of length of experience. Hypotheses tested were &at discrimination and communication abilities would be greater in Ss with longer experience and that these abilities would be correlated positively within individuals. Thirty-six mental health workers were categorized into three levels of experience and initial competency. Ss were administered the Carkhuff Discrimination Rating Scale; the level of conditions communicated to patients was assessed through re lies to taped atient interviews. Results failed to sup rt the hypothesisef relationship getween functioning and experience. &ever, several interactions were found. Initially more competent 8s tended to improve over time and less corn etent Ss declined. A positive correlation between abilities within indivi$uals was found. Results were compared with studies that measured the functioning of professional psycholcgy trainees over time, are relevant to issues cf therapist selection, and support the use of experiential training programs.