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Differences in the therapeutic functioning of paraprofessionals with varying lengths of experience
Author(s) -
Polenz Douglas D.,
Verdi Peter
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(197710)33:4<1115::aid-jclp2270330444>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , cognitive psychology
Measured differences in the ability of paraprofessionals to discriminate and communicate facilitative conditions in psychotherapy as a function of length of experience. Hypotheses tested were that discrimination and communication abilities would be greater in S s 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. S s were administered the Carkhuff Discrimination Rating Scale; the level of conditions communicated to patients was assessed through replies to taped patient interviews. Results failed to support the hypothesized relationships between functioning and experience. However several interactions were found. Initially more competent S s tended to improve over time and less competent S s declined. A positive correlation between abilities within individuals was found. Results were compared with studies that measured the functioning of professional psychology trainees over time, are relevant to issues of therapist selection, and support the use of experiential training programs.