Assessment and Training of Clinical Interviewing Skills: Analogue Analysis and Field Replication

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to assess and train clinical interviewing skills. In Experiment 1, eight university practicum students ("therapists") and either role played or volunteer "clients" were audiotaped during simulated interviews. Following the collection of baseline data on both therapist and client responses, training was provided by way of written materials, classroom instruction and practice, and quizzes. Results of a multiple baseline design across subjects showed improvements in therapists' interviewing skills and subsequent increases in client responding. Experiment 2 replicated and extended the research to a hospital outpatient clinic, in which therapists interviewed the parents of children with behavior problems. In addition, four months following the completion of Experiment 2, follow-up data collected during a maintenance condition showed continued high levels of therapist and client behavior. Finally, a panel of expert peers indicated that each response category was judged highly relevant to the behavioral assessment process.DESCRIPTORS: behavioral assessment, interviewing, staff trainingThe development and implementation of behavioral treatment programs are often preceded by interviews with clients, their relatives, and other mediators, in which information is sought regarding the focus and goals of intervention. Such assessment interviews are especially common in clinical settings, where the initial contact between therapist and client usually involves some verbal interaction. Although the information obtained in an interview may be of uncertain reliability, it often serves as the basis for further, more systematic inquiry

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior Increases Resistance to Extinction: Clinical Demonstration, Animal Modeling, and Clinical Test of One Solution

“…Pre‐study functional analysis . Functional behavioral assessment interviews (adapted from Iwata, Wong, Riordan, Dorsey & Lau, 1982) and a functional analysis (Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman and Richman (1982/1994) indicated that Andy's hair pulling was maintained by adult attention and Jackie's aggression was maintained by access to food. An interview and home visit suggested that Tom's food stealing was maintained by access to food.…”

Functional Analysis and Treatment of Destructive Behavior Maintained by Termination of “Don't” (And Symmetrical “Do”) Requests

“…For each participant, functional analysis conditions were randomly drawn and conducted in a multielement design. Prior to the formal functional analysis, the primary caregivers for both participants were interviewed using a structured behavioral interview (Iwata, Wong, Riordan, Dorsey, & Lau, 1982). In addition, the therapists conducted informal observations of the participants on the living unit.…”

Evaluation of a Training Manual for the Acquisition of Behavioral Assessment Interviewing Skills

“…The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of an instructional manual that required no trainer involvement for the acquisition of behavioral assessment interviewing skills similar to those reported by Iwata et al (1982). The effectiveness of training manuals has been demonstrated in other areas such as conducting interdisciplinary meetings (Parrish, Iwata, & Johnston, 1985) and training respite care workers (Parrish, Neef, Egel, & Sloane, 1984).…”