Effects of failure to meet client preference in a counseling interview analogue

• Published in: Journal of counseling psychology 1979-01, Vol.26 (1), p.9-14
• Main Authors: Duckro, Paul N, George, Clay E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Client Characteristics; Counseling; Counselor Characteristics; Human; Preferences; Psychotherapeutic Processes
• ISSN: 0022-0167; 1939-2168
• DOI: 10.1037/0022-0167.26.1.9

The hypothesis that failure to meet client preference for high- or low-directive counselor style would adversely affect interpersonal process was tested with 48 undergraduates in a counseling intervention analog oriented around students' actual problems. Students with strongly stated preferences for high- or low-directive counselors were randomly assigned to a counselor whose style was congruent or incongruent with their preference. The Therapist Behavior Scale was used to assess counselor directiveness. Dependent variables included 3 speech and 2 satisfaction measures. The data do not support the hypothesis. There was no evidence that failure to meet client preference adversely affected interview process. Clients of high-directive counselors expressed significantly greater satisfaction with the client-counselor relationship, spent only about 50% as much time per utterance, responded significantly more quickly, and exhibited less silence time while they held the floor than did clients of low-directive counselors. Results suggest that recent interest in ascertaining and meeting client preference may not be relevant to the quality of the interpersonal process. (35 ref)