An Experimental Analogue Examining Effects of Facilitative Behaviors and Subjects' Warmth on Students' Perceptions of a Counseling Relationship

Abstract

This study examined the effects of students' self-reported ratings on warmth and a female counselor's facilitative behavior on scores measuring the subjects' perception of the counseling relationship. 75 subjects were categorized as warm, neutral, or cool and then randomly assigned to either a facilitative or nonfacilitative counselor condition. Scores from the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory indicate significant main effects for both subjects' warmth and the therapist's facilitative behaviors. In addition, significant interactions between these variables were obtained. The specific interpretations of these results are discussed and methodological issues are identified for further research.