Date of Award
1-1-1984
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Counseling Psychology & Community Services
Abstract
Two forms of causal interpretation, one tentative and one declarative, were compared in this study with each other and with a noninterpretative response to explore their effects on the counseling process. The responses reflect differing levels of causal interpretation, defined by the degree of directiveness or level of counselor input. To examine the effect different counselors might have, each response was presented by a similar male or female counselor.In a randomized group posttest only design, 220 student subjects in two samples viewed a videotaped counseling vignette and completed a rating instrument. Assessed were perceptions of the counselors' attractiveness, expertness, and trustworthiness, as well as response helpfulness, client defensiveness, client involvement, and counselor regard.Results tend to support the conclusion that interpretations, regardless of form, are perceived to produce defensiveness, whereas restatement promotes involvement and, together with tentative interpretation, enhances perception of counselor regard. However, the results are limited by substantial between-counselor variation. Implications and alternative explanations are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Kube, John Llewellyn, "Causal Interpretation Level And Perceptions Of The Counseling Process (Attributions, Therapy)." (1984). Theses and Dissertations. 8935.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/8935