Crisis-intervention training with paraprofessionals

Abstract

Effects of brief crisis‐intervention training with paraprofessionals were examined by randomly assigning 41 dormitory resident assistants to one of two conditions. Participants in the first received four hours of training in knowledge and skills associated with three crisis‐intervention roles: helper, behavior‐change agent, and referral source; those in the second served as untrained controls. All then completed an assessment battery including knowledge tests, role‐played interviews, and postinterview questionnaires. Results showed trained resident assistants scored significantly higher than did those untrained on substantive knowledge, interviewing skills, recall of interview content, correctness of clinical judgments and referral suggestions, and overall crisis‐intervention competence. Participant evaluations of the workshop indicated high satisfaction with content, process, and trainers.