Counselors as caregivers: The validation of the Counselor Caregiving Questionnaire (CCQ)
Abstract
This research is a validation study of the Counselor Caregiving Questionnaire (CCQ). Doctoral-level students (N = 188) in clinical and counseling psychology training programs completed the following questionnaires: (a) Counselor Caregiving Questionnaire (Fitch & Pistole, 2006), (b) Relationship Questionnaire (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991), (c) Working Alliance Inventory – Short Form T (Horvath & Greenberg, 1989), (d) Real Relationship Inventory – Therapist Form (Gelso et al., 2005), (e) Marlowe-Crowne Form C Social Desirability Scale (Reynolds, 1982), and (f) a demographic form. Construct validity was examined via confirmatory factor analysis, which indicated that a model with a second order factor of caregiving and three first order factors (i.e., sensitivity, responsiveness, and flexibility) was the best fit. Convergent validity was demonstrated between the CCQ and the Working Alliance Inventory and the Real Relationship Inventory. Discriminant validity was established between the CCQ and the Marlowe-Crowne Form C. Another hypothesis, which predicted that convergent validity would be demonstrated via parallelism between the CCQ and the counselor’s attachment style, was not supported. Implications for this study include the importance of using sensitive, responsive, and flexible caregiving in order to establish conditions for a secure base and safe haven in therapy. These conditions are important to facilitate exploration and growth during the therapeutic process. Further implications for practice and future research directions are explored.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Pistole, Purdue University.
Subject Area
School counseling|Counseling Psychology
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