Showing papers in "Journal of Counseling Psychology in 1977"

Barriers to Effective Cross-Cultural Counseling

Abstract: Many mental health professionals have noted that racial and ethnic factors may act as impediments to counseling. Misunderstandings that arise from cultural variations in verbal and nonverbal communication may lead to alienation and/or an inability to develop trust and rapport, An analysis of the generic characteristics of counseling reveals three variables that interact in such a way as to seriously hinder counseling with third-world groups: (a) language variables—use of standard English and verbal communication; (b) class-bound values —strict adherence to time schedules, ambiguity, and seeking long-range solutions; (c) culture-bound values — individual centered, verbal/emotional/behavioral expressiveness, client to counselor communication, openness and intimacy, cause-effect orientation, and mental and physical well-being distinction. These generic characteristics are contrasted with value systems of various ethnic groups. Implications for counseling are explored

Sex Differences in Assertive Behavior: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract: Assertion training for women has been justified on the basis that women are generally less assertive than men or that women have unique problems in being assertive. A review of the literature for sex-related data from selfreport measures of assertion indicated that without exception males report higher frequencies of assertive behavior than females. The means are significantly different, however, for only 4 (29%) of the 14 samples reviewed. Differential responding for males and females on individual items from the Adult Self Expression Scale was investigated using four samples comprising a total of 294 male and 408 female subjects. Men report themselves as more assertive than women on items dealing with bosses and supervisors. Men also report themselves as being more outspoken when stating opinions and as taking the initiative more readily in social contacts with members of the opposite sex. Women on the other hand report themselves as more assertive in expressing love, affection, and compliments as well as expressing anger to one's parents. The question of how these sex differences in assertive behavior are affected in assertion-tra ining groups composed entirely of women is discussed.

Effects of reflection, restatement, probe, and nonverbal behaviors on client affect.

Abstract: The effects of counselor verbal behavior (reflections, probes, and restatements) and counselor nonverbal behavior (presence or absence of nodding and smiling) were examined. The sample of 24 male and 24 female subjects were randomly assigned to one of the six treatments. Each subject participated in a half-hour counseling session, which was divided into four time periods (baseline, counselor intervention, baseline, and counselor intervention). Probes resulted in more discussion of feelings than did either reflections or restatements. Nonverbal behavior did not affect discussion of feelings.