Unconditional Positive Regard Research Articles

Remembering Donna Rockwell (1957–2023)

Remembering Donna Rockwell (1957–2023)

Validity evidence for the attitudes on person-centered behavior toward students questionnaire (APBS): Internal structure and associations with external variables

AbstractBuilding positive teacher-student relationships (TSR) is a central task for teachers. According to the person-centered approach, teachers create positive relationships by treating students with unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and genuineness. Numerous studies demonstrate the impact of person-centered teacher behavior for students’ achievement and well-being. The effectiveness of person-centered behavior is supposed to be determined by underlying attitudes. Accordingly, person-centered attitudes should receive greater focus in both teacher education and TSR research. However, a suitable measurement instrument is currently lacking. Therefore, the APBS instrument was developed, a theoretically-grounded self-report questionnaire that measures pre-service teachers' attitudes on person-centered behavior toward students. In previous studies, the suitability of the test's content and internal structure were empirically examined using EFA. The present study investigated the internal structure using CFA, as well as the associations with external variables, in a sample of N = 1284 pre-service teachers from German universities (Mage = 23.3, SDage = 5.2; 79.8% female). Different factor models were tested and compared. The model with four first-order factors (unconditionality, empathic understanding, trust, genuineness) along with the APBS higher-order factor showed the best fit (χ2/df(1504.868/520) = 2.894, p < .001; CFI = .968; RMSEA = .038). Both the four first-order scales (ωt* = .81-.90), and the second-order scale (ωt* = .95) exhibited satisfactory internal consistency. In addition, structural regression and mediation analyses revealed mostly theory-consistent relationships with respondents' attachment representation, empathy and relational competence. In summary, the findings support the intended interpretation of APBS test scores. The questionnaire can be used as a measurement instrument in TSR research and as a self-exploration tool in teacher education.

An exploration of the ways in which person-centered counselors’ diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can challenge or support their practice

ABSTRACT Little or no research has been conducted to explore the experiences of counselors who have a diagnosis of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this research, therefore, was to explore and better understand the challenges and opportunities that a diagnosis of ADHD can present for these practitioners in order to inform counseling practice, supervision and training. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews to obtain data from three participants, who were all person-centered counselors with ADHD. This data was then analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, which revealed five Group Experiential Themes (GETs). Each of these themes helped to illustrate both the challenges that participants faced as a result of their ADHD, such as inattention, impulsive disclosures, and emotional dysregulation, as well as the opportunities that it presented such as heightened curiosity and greater unconditional positive regard. This research addressed a gap within the literature and serves to enhance understanding of the ways in which a counselor’s diagnosis of ADHD can impact person-centered practice. It is hoped that this understanding can encourage greater support and acceptance of counselors with ADHD within the profession.

Recasting the gold standard - part II of II: communicating healthcare options along a continuum of care.

This is the second part of a two-part series on spectrum of care that encourages practitioners to tailor case management to the patient along a continuum of acceptable options. Part I defined the spectrum of care and broadened its approach beyond initial cost-of-care considerations. This second article introduces strategies for initiating conversations with clients about their needs, wants and expectations specific to healthcare options and case management decisions. It will explore how open inquiry, reflective listening, transparency and unconditional positive regard facilitate dialogue between providers and their clients as they collaborate on decision-making along a spectrum of care. Contextual case management prioritizes interventions that are appropriate for both the patient and the client. To identify and explore which healthcare options represent the best fit for those impacted most by medical decisions, veterinarians need to make space for clients to feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. Clients are more likely to be engaged in decision-making when their insight is actively solicited. They have much to share with us as experts about their cat's overall health and wellness needs. Inviting clients to contribute to the consultation and being receptive to hearing what motivates their choices helps us to structure conversations around healthcare options. The ability to communicate healthcare options is as vital as the provision of healthcare, if not more so.

A critical analysis of commercial forensic interviewing techniques applicable in a South African context

Purpose A significant increase in financial crime globally emphasises the importance of forensic interviewing to obtain useful and reliable information as part of a commercial forensic investigation. Previous research has identified two interviewing strategies that are aligned with the legal framework in South Africa: the PEACE model (P = preparation and planning; E = engage and explain; A = account, clarify and challenge; C = closure; E = evaluation) and the person-centred approach (PCA). The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical underpinnings and application of the PEACE model and the PCA as commercial investigative strategies aligned with the legal context in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A scoping review was undertaken to identify literature relevant to the theoretical assumptions and application of the PEACE model and the PCA. Findings Literature for the most part reports on the PEACE model but offers very little information about the PCA. A critical analysis revealed that the PEACE model incorporates a clear guiding structure for eliciting information but lacks content needed to create an optimal interpersonal context. To promote this, the PCA proposes that interviewers demonstrate three relational variables: empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. The PCA suggests a basic structure for interviewing (beginning, middle and end), while providing very little guidance on how to structure the forensic interview and what information is to be elicited in each phase. Originality/value Combining the PEACE model and PCA presents an integrated interviewing technique best suited for obtaining useful and reliable information admissible in a South African court of law. The PEACE model has a clear structure, and the PCA assists in creating an optimal interpersonal context to obtain information in an interview.

Dispositional authenticity, facilitativeness, femininity ideology, and dyadic relationship functioning in opposite‐gender couples: Actor‐partner interdependence analysis

AbstractThis prospective study examined (a) the mediating roles of Carl Rogers' facilitative interpersonal conditions (i.e., genuineness, empathic understanding, and unconditional positive regard) and (b) the moderating roles of femininity ideology in the association between dispositional authenticity and dyadic relationship functioning using a dyadic approach. Participants, 239 opposite‐gender couples, completed the Authenticity Scale, Barrett‐Lennard Relationship Inventory:mini, Femininity Ideology Scale, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale in two separate phases. Longitudinal data were analyzed using the actor‐partner interdependence (mediation/moderation) model within a structural equation modelling framework. Perceived facilitativeness served as a mediator, channelling the positive associations from dispositional authenticity to dyadic relationship functioning, at both interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. Additionally, femininity ideology emerged as a moderator, influencing the relationships between dispositional authenticity and dyadic relationship functioning in both contexts. These findings underscore the significance of embracing authenticity and transcending traditional femininity ideologies for opposite‐gender partners to thrive cohesively as a dyad. The implications of these findings and avenues for future research are further discussed.

Student therapists' experiences of learning using a machine client: A proof‐of‐concept exploration of an emotionally responsive interactive client (ERIC)

AbstractBackgroundThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing in many areas of healthcare, including mental healthcare. The automated nature of such technologies has the potential to be developed to work with large numbers of people. This paper examines the way that student therapists experience using an interactive text‐based machine client as a training tool.MethodologyChatbot technology has been used to develop an emotionally responsive interactive client (ERIC). This introduces individuals to concepts of person‐centred therapy (empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard) by using a series of pre‐programmed scenarios. Twenty‐eight student therapists evaluated ERIC's potential as a learning tool. Individuals were recruited from one university from a postgraduate and an undergraduate counselling programme.FindingsFeedback was generally positive, with all reporting that they enjoyed engaging with ERIC as a learning method. ERIC helped individuals consider their understanding of counselling skills in a non‐judgemental environment. Participants felt the scenarios were realistic and engaging, with many reporting that they felt they were engaging with a real client/person due to ERIC's ability to express emotions.DiscussionERIC is at the proof‐of‐concept phase. From the feedback presented here, it is evident that it can be a useful learning tool. Further development of ERIC with feedback from a larger sample is, however, required. ERIC is currently a text‐based client, and further development would like to see the intervention be voice‐activated to enhance the experience. ERIC can be further enhanced and adapted to be a useful learning platform for student therapists, as well as for students in other (healthcare‐related) disciplines, whereby a client or patient is required.

Humanistic person-centred set facilitation

ABSTRACT This paper poses the question ‘What can we learn from the person-centred counselling literature which could be used by the action learning facilitator to help benefit the set?’. This question may be particularly important to facilitators seeking new ways to run their sets and to facilitators who would like to introduce a more humanistic and less mechanistic way of working with set members. Person-centred counselling is an approach to helping which aims to foster human growth and wellbeing. The person-centred approach was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s and has a number of similarities with Revan’s original ideas. Although Revans was insistent that action learning was not counselling there are several facets of person-centred theory which align with Revans underlying ideas and philosophy. The paper concludes with suggestions of how to incorporate Rogerian ideas into facilitation, namely those of empathy, congruence and Unconditional Positive Regard.

Reading to Dogs as a form of animal‐assisted education: are positive outcomes supported by quality research?

AbstractReading to Dogs (RTD) in schools, a form of animal‐assisted education (AAE), is growing in popularity and prevalence. RTD involves children reading to a registered dog with benefits to well‐being and reading outcomes thought to arise because of the unconditional positive regard and non‐critical listening bestowed on the child by the dog. Yet RTD research is underdeveloped, and the practice lacks a substantial evidence base, casting dubiety over RTD's suitability for adoption in schools. This paper examines the research to date, exploring methodological factors and the potential efficacy of RTD for improving children's reading outcomes. Building on Hall et al.'s (2016) systematic review of RTD, related reviews, in addition to individual studies of relevance, are explored, followed by a brief discussion of further pertinent issues in RTD research. Cautious optimism about RTD as an impactful intervention to support reading outcomes is suggested, providing impetus for further research of increased quality.

Introducing an attitude-based approach to emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EI) was originally conceived as an ability, followed soon after by mixed, competency and trait theoretical models, broadly described as emotional efficacies (EE). Several models have attempted to integrate both approaches, with different views on whether EI and EE operate in sequence or parallel. One reason for this may be that EE constructs are given the same ontological status whether they represent underlying attitudes, such as self-regard, or behavioral competencies, such as assertiveness. In this paper, it is proposed that attitudes may predominantly act as underlying antecedents of ability-EI and behavioral-EE. Five benefits of this approach are drawn out that help to address some key concerns with current models and measures of EI and EE. First, the inclusion of implicit and explicit attitudes within integrated models of EI/EE would support the dual-processing of conscious and automated processes. From this, an attitude-based dual-processing framework for EI/EE is recommended. Second, the concept of Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) for self and others, is identified as a potential attitude that may underpin the two core pillars of intrapersonal and interpersonal EI/EE. Third, UPR attitudes would provide an ethical basis for EI/EE that may support ethical and prosocial behavior. Fourth, UPR attitudes may differentiate between the optimal and sub-optimal elements of EI/EE. Fifth, an attitude-based approach to EI/EE may be more aligned with EI/EE being developmental than are the more static ability or trait-based models of EI/EE.

KEPUASAN KLIEN TERHADAP LAYANAN CYBERCOUNSELING

Counseling that is usually done so far is face to face, the pandemi has forced counseling to innovate into cybercounseling. Changes that occur will require adaptation. The purpose of this study is to determine client satisfaction with cybercounseling services. This research method uses a mixed method. The majority of client satisfaction with cybercounseling services are very satisfied. The aspect of satisfaction experienced by clients is related to the relationship between the counselor and the client in the cybercounseling process. A comfortable relationship allows clients to tell stories freely without feeling afraid. This data also shows that even though counseling is not done face to face, clients still feel satisfaction in cybercounseling. The media is not an obstacle in the counseling process and this can be overcome if the counselor has the characteristics of a professional counselor, namely: Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy and Congruence.Keywords : Satisfaction, Clients, Cybercounseling

Student Reflections on the Essential Role of the Holy Spirit in Counseling Education

This article examines the unique position in which emerging counselors find themselves, as they seek to enter the professional field amidst a worldwide pandemic and numerous other national and global hardships. From a student perspective, the authors survey the distinctive traits of Christian counseling education, Christian counseling, generally speaking, and the importance of theological and spiritual formation for the emerging counselor. More specifically, the authors discuss three theological concepts that have been identified as critical in the development of their Christian counselor identity, foundation, and future practice. The first theological consideration is the essential role and ministry of the Holy Spirit who provides supernatural peace, joy, and comfort, aiding emerging counselors in their ability to be competent therapists in tenuous times; bridging the gap from education to practical application. The second concept considered is the imago Dei, as the hermeneutical lens by which the Christian counselor affirms the worth of all human beings created in the image of God, enabling the counselor to provide empathy and unconditional positive regard for all clients. The third consideration is the missio Dei, or mission of God, as a core conceptual belief by which to understand the role of the Christian counselor, and counseling profession, as a redemptive participation in and with the Spirit of God.

The Moderating Influence of School Adult Connectedness on Adolescent Dating Violence and Mental Health.

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) continues to be a health concern. Most previous research has examined physical and or sexual ADV with little attention to verbal violence. Drawing on the social-ecological framework, the current study examined the moderating influence of school adult connectedness on experiences of verbal only, physical and/or sexual violence (combination ADV), and mental health outcomes among 11th graders (n = 31,459) in one Midwestern state. Overall, 24.0% and 28.8% of adolescents met thresholds for depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Rates of mental health symptoms were higher among adolescents reporting ADV compared to those who did not report experience of ADV. In logistic regressions, higher level of school adult connectedness was associated with lower odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. In moderation analyses, school adult connectedness was protective for mental health outcomes regardless of ADV experience. Adolescent dating violence-including verbal violence alone-can be traumatic for young people. Schools can leverage the protective nature of school adult connection to promote mental health for all students, including adolescents who have experienced ADV. Incorporating trauma-informed education practice of providing unconditional positive regard toward adolescents might be 1-way schools can support adolescents in cultivating healthy relationships and well-being.

Up-Close and Personal: Conceptualizing the Self as Dementia Caregiver: a Study in Soweto, South Africa.

The aim of this study was to understand how dementia caregivers in the township of Soweto, South Africa interpret their role in the context of caregiving through the personal constructs identified using the Self- Characterization technique. Thirty family caregivers were recruited via purposive sampling methods and completed a Self-Characterization Sketch during semi-structured interviews. Content analysis of construct pairs was thematically coded using the Classification System for Personal Constructs (CSPC) - a reliable method to analyse personal constructs that are generated by constructivist assessments. Findings revealed that caregivers' interpretations of themselves was characterized by moral, emotional and cognitive attributes. Specifically, a sense of mastery, self-efficacy, strength, selflessness and unconditional positive regard characterized the most meaningful constructs of care within caregiver narratives in response to their loved ones with dementia. These adaptive outcomes, despite the challenging, pervasive, complex nature of dementia and its manifestations, suggest psychological and emotional resilience, higher levels of adjustment and caregiver well-being. However, it is important to consider possible consequences such as physical fatigue and burnout despite adaptive outcomes. Therefore, it is recommended that approaches to psychoeducational initiatives, emotional and psychological interventions and awareness campaigns include teaching caregivers how to self-care encourage the importance of consistent exercise, rest, sleep, nutrition as well as reaching out for social support. Lastly, empowering caregivers to use their personal resources would prove valuable in support groups, and individual to facilitate self-awareness, sustained coping and mental health.

Neuroanatomical correlates of social approach in Williams Syndrome and down syndrome

Individuals with Williams Syndrome (WS) or Downs Syndrome (DS) are often described as hypersociable, friendly and overly trusting of others. This hypersociability is a major concern for parents/caregivers due to the associated increased risk of exploitation and victimisation. Two brain regions - the amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) - have been implicated in driving this hypersociability in WS, and in the general population and have associations with emotional evaluation, threat detection and social motivation. However, there has been little neuroimaging research on this topic, especially in DS, to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential neuroanatomical and neuropsychological correlates of hypersociability in WS and DS. Twelve individuals with WS (M = 22 years of age) and eleven individuals with DS (M = 26 years of age) completed a neuropsychological battery of executive functioning and social measures, including informant ratings on an ecologically measure of social approach. Clinical groups and twelve typically developing controls (M = 23 years) underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan to investigate volumetric differences in the OFC and the amygdala. As expected, WS individuals displayed the highest overall social approach, especially in relation to need to approach strangers and drive to interact with strangers, as well as inappropriate/overfriendly behaviours. Both groups rated similarly in terms of social trust and unconditional positive regard. Emotion recognition abilities were similar across groups, with the DS group displaying some difficulties with negative emotions (especially anger). Inhibition and flexibility were similarly impaired across WS and DS. Compared to neurotypical controls, the DS group showed increased amygdala volumes bilaterally, while the WS group showed an enlarged right medial OFC. Approach ratings were significantly correlated with left amygdala and medial and left lateral OFC volumes in WS, and with these same regions bilaterally in DS. Results provide potential biological explanations for the hypersociability seen in WS and DS. Future research should focus on other potential neural correlates, as well as potential genetic and hormonal contributions to approach.

Rapport Building in Written Crisis Services: Qualitative Content Analysis.

Building therapeutic relationships and social presence are challenging in digital services and maybe even more difficult in written services. Despite these difficulties, in-person care may not be feasible or accessible in all situations. This study aims to categorize crisis counselors' efforts to build rapport in written conversations by using deidentified conversation transcripts from the text and chat arms of the National Child Abuse Hotline. Using these categories, we identify the common characteristics of successful conversations. We defined success as conversations where help-seekers reported the hotline was a good way to seek help and that they were a lot more hopeful, a lot more informed, a lot more prepared to address the situation, and experiencing less stress, as reported by help-seekers. The sample consisted of transcripts from 314 purposely selected conversations from of the 1153 text and chat conversations during July 2020. Hotline users answered a preconversation survey (ie, demographics) and a postconversation survey (ie, their perceptions of the conversation). We used qualitative content analysis to process the conversations. Active listening skills, including asking questions, paraphrasing, reflecting feelings, and interpreting situations, were commonly used by counselors. Validation, unconditional positive regard, and evaluation-based language, such as praise and apologies, were also often used. Compared with less successful conversations, successful conversations tended to include fewer statements that attend to the emotional dynamics. There were qualitative differences in how the counselors applied these approaches. Generally, crisis counselors in positive conversations tended to be more specific and tailor their comments to the situation. Building therapeutic relationships and social presence are essential to digital interventions involving mental health professionals. Prior research demonstrates that they can be challenging to develop in written conversations. Our work demonstrates characteristics associated with successful conversations that could be adopted in other written help-seeking interventions.

Therapists’ perspectives on positive regard

ABSTRACT This study investigated multiple aspects of therapists’ provision of positive regard (PR), including their assessment of the importance of PR in their practice, their sense of which specific aspects of PR are most affirming, and their perception of which aspects they provide most frequently to their clients. A total of 269 psychotherapists, primarily female, White, residing in the United States, and representing a range of theoretical orientations, completed a web-based survey with three Likert-type measures that reflected an understanding of PR as a wider-ranging concept than unconditional positive regard (UPR). Results suggest that therapists acknowledge PR as central to treatment process and outcome, that there is significant thematic breadth to the ways they choose to convey PR, and that the behaviors and statements they perceive as most affirming are also those that they are most likely to express in therapy. These findings, in conjunction with the significant convergence between therapists’ and clients’ perceptions of the nature and importance of PR, suggest that PR is a far more widely adopted attitude across multiple theoretical orientations than has generally been assumed.

School-Based Mental Health Initiative: Potentials and Challenges for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

School-based mental health support services allow children and adolescents easy access to services without requirement of traveling to clinics and hospitals. We describe a School Mental Health Support Scheme (SMHSS) piloted in Hong Kong and discuss the challenges and learnings from the experience. This conceptual paper argues that accessibility is not the only advantage of such services. Teachers are significant others in child development, alongside with families. They play a central role in impacting the children's/adolescents' needs for competence and adult attachment, while schools provide an expanded social network of peers for one's social relationship. The fulfillment of these needs has powerful implications in the mental health of the children/adolescents. Teachers can help students to develop a sense of competence with self-worth and self-identity via providing guidance and feedback, whether they be on one's strengths or weaknesses, with acceptance, tolerance and unconditional positive regard. Particularly, the latter define a form of teacher-student relationship or adult attachment that offers the children/adolescents emotional security and nourishment, protecting them from failings and adversities. Teachers can also supervise and guide their students' social development with peers at schools. A recent meta-analysis has found preliminary evidence that those school-based mental health services integrated into the teachers' routine teaching activities are more effective. Teachers, who are overworked and stressed by the schools' overemphasis on academics and grades, have yet to fully grasp their unique roles in supporting students with mental health needs. This paper ends by advocating a paradigm shift in which both the healthcare professionals and educators should forge a mutually beneficial collaboration in jointly enhancing the mental health of children/adolescents at schools.

Application of Core Counseling Techniques Intervention on the Self-concept of Internally Displaced Children: Implication for Counseling

This study investigated the effects of Empathy and Unconditional positive regard Counselling Techniques on the self-concept of the at risk Internally Displaced Children in Borno Orphans Model Boarding Primary School of IDPs In Kano State. One of the objectives is to determine the effect of Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) counselling technique intervention on the self-concept of internally displaced children for juvenile delinquency prevention and effective academic reconstruction. Two objectives and corresponding research questions guided the study, and two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 selected at risk Internally Displaced Children in Borno Orphans Model Boarding Primary School of IDPs In Kano State. Pre-test post-test control group, which is an aspect of quasi experimental Design, was adopted as the design for the study. The data collected was analyzed using mean scores, t-test for independent samples. The results of the study revealed that Empathy and unconditional positive regard techniques were effective in enhancing the self-concept of the at risk Internally Displaced Children in Borno Orphans Model Boarding Primary School of IDPs. It is recommended that counsellors and social workers should be trained in the use of the techniques in counselling for self-concept enhancement and reducing juvenile delinquency.

Show Me the Real You: Enhanced Expression of Rogerian Conditions in Therapeutic Relationship Building with Autistic Adults.

Research in psychotherapy and counseling theory has shown the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship. However, in the context of working with autistic adults, the relationship appears to be de-emphasized, or "different approaches" are recommended without specifying these. Neglect of relationship building may contribute to autistic adults' negative experiences with health care professionals identified in previous studies. I interviewed 17 autistic adults about their relationship building experiences with a wide range of professionals primarily from mental and medical health backgrounds. I also interviewed two mental health counselors and one psychologist who had experience working with this client group and had been recommended by autistic participants. I elicited best practice recommendations from all participants. I analyzed the data in an interpretive-interactionist framework and present them through creative analytic practice. I address one major theme in this article: the importance of Rogerian/person-centered relationship conditions. All had to be practiced in an enhanced way: (1) Enhanced congruence could be demonstrated through therapist self-disclosure and refraining from phony relationship building "techniques" such as vocal adjustments. (2) Enhanced empathy could be demonstrated through genuine listening and accurate interpretation; however, interpretation needed to be phrased tentatively. (3) Enhanced unconditional positive regard could be demonstrated through explicit verbal expression, practical demonstration, and remembering. Results largely mirrored research with non-autistic populations: different approaches were not needed for relationship building. Participants emphasized the importance of Rogers' person-centered conditions and described pivotal relationship building moments associated with enhanced expression of these conditions.