Reports outcome measures obtained from patients, therapists, and clinical observers in the Penn Psychotherapy Project. The relationship between residual gain score and ratings of benefits suggest that posttreatment ratings of outcome take account of the fact that amount of change to be expected depends on initial level of functioning. (Author)

Evaluates the role of psychological theory in training effective psychotherapists and social workers. The authors advocate a problem-solving or "Social Technik" approach in which the demands of the practitioner's job--to cause desirable changes in client behavior--define the scope of all skill development and theoretical training. (AM)

Examined the relationship between therapist values and reported use of various modes of nonverbal communication in individual counseling. Counselors (N=90) responded to a nonverbal closeness and touching behavior questionnaire and a value survey. Results indicated that therapist values are associated with various categories of nonverbal behavior.…

Attempted to predict therapeutic persistence with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Results revealed only the discriminant function for males achieved a classification accuracy (60 percent) greater than chance expectations; male persisters tended to be less defensive while experiencing greater distress; and female persisters…

Describes clinical uses of the Life Story Book, a technique to help foster children connect their life experiences. The technique can reeducate children toward a more positive self-image. (Author/DB)

Examined impact of brief therapy with college males exhibiting depression, anxiety, and social introversion. Although patients' attitudes toward therapist and patient involvement in therapy process did not differ as function of type of therapist, the process dimension that consistently predicted therapy outcome was patient involvement. (Author/BEF)

Past studies indicated preference for male therapists. To test for changes since these studies, applicants for counseling and nonclient undergraduates completed university counseling service application that included question regarding preference for sex of therapist. More clients than nonclients expressed preferences. Results indicated a decrease…

Studied effects of suggestibility on performance within self- and external-control conditions. Subjects were assigned to experimental conditions--self-control, external-control, and no reward. Response rates of self and external groups were highest. Response rates of high-suggestibles in self-control conditions were not significantly different…

Investigated psychologists' judgments of the accuracy of clients' attributions for presenting problems. Clinicians did not differ in estimate of accuracy based on whether attributions were internal or external, but female clinicians were more likely to judge client attributions as accurate. (Author/JAC)

The author discusses the concepts of giftedness and the problems inherent in identifying gifted children. He proposes that the development of screening techniques might aid early identification of gifted children "at risk" and that attempts should be made to profile gifted delinquents who may not respond well to therapy. (CT)

The activities of religious cults are generally protected by the First Amendment but have caused concern and controversy. Legal pressure can be used in cases of fraud and misrepresentation but the best prevention is education and information for young adults, educators, and families. (JAC)

The present study eliminated many confounds by systematically manipulating the specific client sex role related variables of case history and symptomatology and presenting them to practicing mental health professionals in a setting that approximated their working environment. Little support was found for many of the widely held assumptions about…

The therapist with similar attitudes was seen as more qualified, higher in interpersonal attraction, and more likeable. Subjects were more willing to recommend or seek therapy from these therapists. Significant interaction indicated that male subjects were more affected by the degree of attitude similarity. (Author)

A comparison of White and Chinese American therapists showed that both groups agreed in their conceptions of normalcy; White therapists were more accurate in predicting self-descriptive responses of White clients than Chinese clients; and they differed significantly when rating the degree of disturbance of the same client. (Author/MK)

Paradoxical intention helps clients separate themselves from their neurotic symptoms. The client is instructed to exaggerate the symptom and finds, paradoxically, the symptom occurs less. In provocative exaggeration symptoms are described so as to evoke laughter at the very symptom that causes anxiety. (Author)