An evaluation of helping skills training: Effects on helpers' verbal responses.

Abstract

The present and future utilization of paraprofessional manpower necessitates systematic training of such workers for their human service roles. The impact of a training program designed by Danish and Hauer for basic helping skills was evaluated. In particular, changes in the verbal responses used by human service workers in training were investigated. Using a rating system based on the training program's goals, helpers' responses in simulated helping interviews were categorized. Responses which summarized the helpee's statements and which focused on feelings increased significantly over training. Leading responses such as advice and closed questions decreased significantly. Helpers were found to talk less at posttesting. Similar results were found for two consecutive sets of trainees. Successful training can be accomplished with the Danish and Hauer program with minimal professional manpower.Changes in the structure of the delivery of mental health services have resulted in increased concern with training of paraprofessional human service workers in helping skills. This interest is a consequence of the "third revolution" in mental health service delivery (Hobbs, 1964) in which paraprofessional and nonprofessional workers predominate as the direct service providers. The increase in the numbers of paraprofessionals and nonprofessionals in various types of direct client contact (see Gartner, 1971;Grosser, Henry, & Kelly, 1969;Guerney, 1969;Sobey, 1970) has necessitated careful scrutiny of the actual "services" such workers provide. The many studies demonstrating the effectiveness of such workers in different settings (e.g., Beck,

A Follow‐Up Evaluation of Helping Skills Training

“…In a recent study (Danish, D'Augelli & Brock 1976) trainees were found to use significantly more content responses and affective responses after completing the Danish and Hauer (1973) program. Significant decreases in the use of influence, advice, and closed questions were also found.…”

Evaluation of a community‐based system for training natural helpers. II. Effects on informal helping activities

“…Simultaneously, decreases in leading or directive responses, such as advice and questions, and a decrease in self-oriented responses were expected. The training has been effective in producing such results in the past (e.g., Danish, D'Augelli, & Brock, 1976;D'Augelli & Levy, 1978).…”

Training Counseling Skills: An Experimental Analysis and Social Validation

“…Training programs to enhance helping skills have been developed for college students, professionals, medical students, and hospital person-325 1982, 155 [325][326][327][328][329][330][331][332][333][334] NUMBER 3 (FALL 1982) nel (Carkhuff, 1969;Carkhuff & Truax, 1965a, 1965b; Danish, D'Augelli, & Brock, 1976;Danish & Hauer, 1973;Ginsberg & Danish, 1979;Ivey, 1971; Moreland, Ivey, & Phillips, 1973). Although little is known about maximizing the qualities of low-income helpers, the counseling literature suggests the importance of such helping skills as communication skills and problem-solving skills.…”

“…Training programs to enhance helping skills have been developed for college students, professionals, medical students, and hospital person-325 1982, 155 325-334 NUMBER 3 (FALL 1982) nel (Carkhuff, 1969;Carkhuff & Truax, 1965a, 1965b; Danish, D'Augelli, & Brock, 1976;Danish & Hauer, 1973;Ginsberg & Danish, 1979;Ivey, 1971;Moreland, Ivey, & Phillips, 1973 (Carkhuff, 1969;Ivey, 1971), and other verbal behaviors (e.g., question asking, summarization statements) may allow the counselor to obtain information from the client (Danish & Hauer, 1973;Ivey, 1971). A problem-solving format may aid in the analysis of problems and alternative solutions (Goldfried & Davison, 1976).…”