EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW SKILLS TRAINING WITH PSYCHIATRIC INPATIENTS: A COMPARISON OF FOUR TRAINING TECHNIQUES
Abstract
This investigation was designed to assess the effectiveness of modeling techniques, in combination with behavioral rehearsal, self-observation (via videotape replay), and performance feedback, in an attempt to improve the job-seeking skills of psychiatric inpatients. Two skill areas were selected for the study: (A) nonverbal--eye contact, posture, and orientation; and (B) verbal--explaining work history. Patients were randomly assigned to one of five experimental conditions: (1) modeling, rehearsal, videotape replay of rehearsal sessions, and performance feedback (MRVF); (2) modeling, rehearsal, and performance feedback (MRF); (3) modeling and rehearsal (MR); (4) model only (M); and (5) no training (i.e., rehearsal only) control (C). First, each patient participated in a videotaped initial interview which provided a pretraining assessment of his interview skills. Next, patients received brief instructions regarding the importance of appropriate interview behavior and viewed a videotape of inappropriate employment interview behavior. Each patient then participated in the training group to which he had been randomly assigned. Upon completion of the training procedures, patients participated in a simulated employment interview, which was videotaped for ratings by independent judges. Each patient was seen on an individual basis for one training session. Results indicated that patients' interview behavior improved as a result of their participation in the training groups. The pattern of results revealed a clustering of effects with the MRVF and MRF groups being highly effective, and the MR and M groups being moderately effective in producing behavior change, when compared to the rehearsal-only control group. Within these "clusters", the MRVF and MRF groups produced identical effects and did not differ significantly; and, the MR and M groups produced nearly identical effects but did not differ from each other. In terms of the dependent variables used in this study, it may be said that the patients who demonstrated appropriate eye contact, sat directly facing the interviewer, maintained a relatively relaxed posture, and provided specific information regarding employment history, were evaluated as more socially and vocationally skilled in the simulated job interviews.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Psychotherapy
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.