A Pilot Study of the Relationship Between Counselor Trainees' Characteristics and Attitudes Toward Substance Abuse

Counselors’ Attitudes Towards Working With Clients With Substance Use Disorders

“…The contact hypothesis is supported by past research on attitudes of counselors, counseling trainees, and other health professionals that suggest several factors are directly and positively correlated with positive attitudes. These include: SUD education and training (Balich et al, 2015; Caplehorn et al, 1997; Davis et al, 2010; Dunston-McLee, 2001; Forman et al, 2001; West & Miller, 1999), experience working with clients with SUDs (Caplehorn et al, 1997; Forman et al, 2001), frequent contact with clients with SUDs (Dunston-McLee, 2001; van Boekel et al, 2014), working in a specialized SUD clinic (Gilchrist et al, 2011; van Boekel et al, 2014), having confidence in clinical skills and treatment effectiveness (van Boekel et al, 2014; Van Kampen, 2010), having had an SUD oneself (Caplehorn et al, 1997; Davis et al, 2010), and having had an experience with a close person with an SUD (Davis et al, 2010; Koch et al, 2006). In addition, Rodgers-Bonnacorsy (2010) found a positive effect of role support (i.e., perceived support from work colleagues; Cartwright, 1980) on counselors’ attitudes.…”