| Abstract: | Studied relationship and clarification-reconceptualization (CR) functions of intervention discrepancy in brief counseling for 34 undergraduate clients having problems with negative emotions. Discrepancy was varied according to L. H. Levy's (1963) semantic-propositional distinction. Three treatments represented levels of intervention discrepancy: (a) listening—low semantic and low propositional discrepancy, (b) congruent interpretation—high semantic and low propositional discrepancy, and (c) discrepant interpretation—high semantic and high propositional discrepancy. Two counselors administered all treatments. Ss completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory, and a client beliefs inventory. As hypothesized, all treatments contributed to the establishment of a therapeutic relationship, regardless of intervention discrepancy. The hypothesis that interventions containing discrepancy would contribute to the CR of client problems was partially confirmed; clients in the 2 interpretation conditions gained a greater sense of self-control than clients in the listening condition. Both relationship and CR functions were positively associated with outcome. All treatments reduced negative emotions; discrepant interpretations were the most consistently effective, and the listening interventions the least. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
