Do Research Intermediaries Reduce Perceived Coercion to Enter Research Trials Among Criminally Involved Substance Abusers?

We examined the efficacy of including a research intermediary (RI) during the consent process in reducing participants' perceptions of coercion to enroll in a research study. Eighty-four drug court clients being recruited into an ongoing study were randomized to receive a standard informed consent process alone (standard condition) or with an RI (intermediary condition). Before obtaining consent, RIs met with clients individually to discuss remaining concerns. Findings provided preliminary evidence that RIs reduced client perceptions that their participation might influence how clinical and judicial staff view them. This suggests that using RIs may improve participant autonomy in clinical studies.     

1994 CACREP Standards: Will We Make the Grade?

This article presents a review of literature related to the process of accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, or CACREP, and identifies several areas of concern common to counseling programs seeking accreditation. A departmental case is then presented that describes how one program at a mid-size university addressed these concerns and completed a self-study.     

Main and interaction effects of metallic toxins on classroom behavior

This study investigated the relationships of metal levels and metal combinations to children's classroom behavior. Hair-metal concentrations of lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum were determined in 80 randomly selected elementary-age children, who were also rated by their classroom teacher on the Walker Problem Behavior Identification Checklist (WPBIC). Parents were interviewed to control for confounding variables that may have affected behavioral development. Regression analysis indicated that the set of metals was significantly related to increased scores on four of the five WPBIC subscales and on the total scale, with lead being a major contributor to four of the six dependent measures. Metal combinations were significantly related to increased scores on the WPBIC subscales measuring acting-out, disturbed peer relations, and immaturity, and on the total scale. A continuing reexamination of metal poisoning concentrations is needed because metal levels and metal combinations previously thought harmless may be associated with nonadaptive classroom behavior.     

Comparing Multicultural With General Counseling Knowledge and Skill Competency for Students Who Completed Counselor Training

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a counselor education program in teaching multicultural counseling knowledge and skills. Standardized examination scores and rater evaluations compare multicultural with general counseling knowledge and skill competency for students who completed a counseling master's program. The relationship between multicultural knowledge and multicultural and general skills is examined. Este estudio evalúa la efectividad de un programa educativo para consejeros a la hora de enseñar conocimientos y habilidades multiculturales en consejería. Se emplean tanto resultados estandarizados de exámenes como evaluaciones docentes para comparar los conocimientos de consejeria y la competencia en habilidades de tipo general con los multiculturales en estudiantes que han completado un Máster en Consejería. Se examina la relación entre conocimientos multiculturales y habilidades generales y multiculturales.     

Can We Help Belligerent Counselees?

This article presents a framework and principles for counseling belligerent counselees. It integrates moral reasoning and behavior contracting with the counseling process and describes the limited rationales of victimization, guilt, and helplessness. Then, a moral reasoning framework is presented whereby counselors move the counselees from the punishment stage to a trade-off and socially responsive stages through contracting. Finally, the counseling and contract principles are delineated for establishing a relationship aimed at improved behavior, facilitating recognition that behavior causes consequences, inducing positive behavior through rewards, and encouraging transfer to new situations.     

Effect of dispenser location on taking free condoms in an outpatient cocaine abuse treatment clinic

Crack cocaine use increases risky sexual behavior and HIV exposure; therefore, safe sexual practices should be encouraged during cocaine addiction treatment. Research indicates that placing condom dispensers in private restrooms increases taking free condoms. We investigated two other dispenser locations (a day room vs. counselors' offices) and found that substantially more condoms were taken when dispensers were in the day room. This is an important issue for public health facilities without private restrooms.