NCJ Number
70628
Date Published
1976
Length
125 pages
Annotation
The effects of a precounseling orientation session on client behaviors in a pretrial diversion program were examined using a simple of 28 first offenders.
Abstract
This dissertation addressed frustrations expressed by counselors in pre-trial diversion programs when their skills aimed at eliciting selfexploration and other active behaviors met with little success. The research tried to inform clients of the active role expected of them in the counseling sessions and then analyzed the effects of this training on tardiness, relationships with the counselor, and the counseling process itself. Research literature on the dynamics of the psychotherapeutic settings and precounseling orientation was reviewed. The sample selected for the study consisted of 28 clients from Project Redirection, a Kansas City program for first offenders between 17 and 25 who had been charged with shoplifting, marijuana possession, carrying a concealed weapon, or disorderly conduct. Subjects were assigned alternately to an experimental group where they received a precounseling orientation session termed Role Induction Training, and to a control group where a discussion of ways to deal with bureaucratic obstacles to finding a job was presented. Both clients and counselors completed questionnaires prior to and immediately following the five counseling sessions concerning their expectations from the treatment program and their perceptions about what actually occurred. To test the effects of the orientation session on client behavior during counseling, several measures were taken from counselor rating on productivity, rapport, and tardiness and from independent judge ratings of tape transcripts. Trained subjects maintained higher levels of self-exploration than control subjects through the third sessions, although self-exploration declined sharply during these meetings. Role induction training accounted for a significantly greater modification of expectations than the control treatment. Training did not affect the quality of the counseling sessions. A positive correlation between good attendance and accurate client expectations was demonstrated. Implications of these findings for client-counselor relationships are discussed, and topics for future research are recommended. Tables illustrate the statistical analysis of the data. The appendixes contain instructions to the subjects, questionnaires, role induction training materials, counselor data forms, an individual disclosure rating scale, and criteria for resistance measures. A bibliography of about 45 citations is provided. (Author abstract modified)