Preservice Counselors' Initial Perceptions of Client Grief Style

Abstract

This analogue study examined the influence of client grief style (intuitive or instrumental) on initial preservice counselor perceptions of the client. Three hypotheses were tested: (a) that counselors would initially rate the global functioning of intuitive grievers as higher than that of instrumental grievers; (b) that counselors would rate their initial expectations about the therapeutic bond with intuitive grievers higher than instrumental grievers; and (c) that counselors would be more likely to encourage emotional catharsis with instrumental grievers, even though this technique may be contraindicated for this group. Results supported the second hypothesis but not the first and third; however, for the first and third hypotheses, significant differences were found in the opposite direction. Of particular clinical significance was the fact that 66% of participants reported being very likely to encourage emotional catharsis with instrumental grievers, suggesting a potential need for further training regarding interventions appropriate to this client group.