Biomedical subjects

D F Dansereau

Publications and source records attributed to D F Dansereau.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Relationships between counseling rapport and drug abuse treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between counseling rapport and drug abuse treatment outcomes. METHODS: Two cohorts of outpatients who were being treated with methadone in four cities were studied. Cohort 1 comprised 354 patients in community-based nonprofit programs, and cohort 2 comprised 223 patients from a private for-profit program. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the importance of counseling rapport as a predictor of drug use and criminality relative to treatment retention in the index treatment, satisfaction with treatment, and whether additional treatment was received after the index treatment. RESULTS: In both cohorts, ratings made by counselors, during treatment, of therapeutic involvement and relationships with patients provided a useful measure of counseling rapport. A lower level of rapport during treatment predicted worse post-index treatment outcomes, including more cocaine use and criminality, both by itself and after adjustment for treatment retention, satisfaction with treatment, and post-index treatment status. Counseling strategies were associated with the development of counseling rapport. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling rapport is a vital part of the therapeutic process and helps explain why and when treatment is effective. It contributes explicitly to the prediction of outcomes, apart from treatment retention, and accounts in part for the usual association between treatment retention and outcomes.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The use of node-link mapping in the chemical dependency treatment of adolescents.

The current study examined treatment perceptions of youth adjudicated to an eight-month residential treatment facility. Participants were randomly assigned to standard or mapping-enhanced counseling. They completed established questionnaires assessing group sessions, program features, treatment motivation, and number of program infractions. Mapping residents rated group sessions as deeper over time. Mapped sessions appeared to also maintain residents' arousal over time. Mapping residents rated themselves as more motivated to get along with staff, and also tended to be more motivated to engage in the treatment process. In addition, mapping residents had fewer program infractions thirty days after the beginning of the experiment compared to standard residents. These findings extend previous research on node-link mapping in adult treatment settings.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Treatment readiness training and probationers' evaluation of substance abuse treatment in a criminal justice setting.

Clients who are legally coerced into substance abuse treatment often have low intrinsic motivation to participate, are less ready for treatment, and are consequently more problematic to treat and less satisfied with their treatment than are voluntary clients. A set of readiness training activities, designed to promote early involvement in treatment, was implemented in a 4-month residential criminal justice program. Five hundred probationers were randomly assigned to receive either the readiness training we developed or the approach typically used at the facility. Based on their response to an intake interview, probationers were categorized as having low, medium, or high readiness for treatment. Probationers in the readiness training group rated their counselors, groups, and community meetings higher than did probationers in the standard group. In addition, probationers in the readiness training group rated themselves as "working the program" to a greater extent than did probationers in the standard group. Probationers with higher initial levels of readiness for treatment rated their counselors, sessions, and security staff higher than did probationers with lower levels. The results suggest that the readiness training activities may help probationers become more involved in treatment and that this may lead to greater satisfaction with counselors and sessions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Drug abuse treatment in criminal justice settings: enhancing community engagement and helpfulness.

This study examined the impact of a treatment readiness program on probationers receiving drug abuse treatment in a modified therapeutic community (TC). The program we developed was designed to increase motivation and improve skills needed for treatment progress. Probationers (N = 500) were assigned randomly to receive either the treatment readiness training or the standard approach used at the facility. Probationers responded to newly developed and established measures of community characteristics. Probationers receiving the readiness training rated their communities as more engaged and helpful than did those receiving the standard program. As predicted, probationers who had higher levels of treatment experience prior to entry into the current program (and who may have thus perceived treatment as having more limitations) gave more reserved estimates of community engagement. The current study suggests that the readiness training is having its intended impact on probationers. In addition, the study supports the usefulness of a newly developed measure in evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Node-link mapping and psychological problems. Perceptions of a residential drug abuse treatment program for probationers.

The current study examined program perceptions of 367 probationers admitted to a 4-month residential drug abuse treatment facility that focuses on group counseling. Prior research has shown that many individuals within the criminal justice system have both psychological and drug abuse problems, and that they often have limited success in drug abuse treatment programs. The current study examined whether the benefits of node-link mapping, a visual representation counseling technique that is especially beneficial in group counseling environments, would extend to individuals with psychological problems. Probationers were randomly assigned to mapping-enhanced or standard counseling. Those residents who had higher levels of psychological problems (based on a global indicator of psychological problems), and who received mapping-enhanced counseling, had more favorable perceptions of their counselors and fellow community members over time than their counterparts who received standard counseling.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Positive effects on life skills motivation and self-efficacy: node-link maps in a modified therapeutic community.

In recent years, one response to drug abuse problems has been to provide treatment in prison and probation settings. Results are promising, although the need for improving mandated treatment has been expressed. The Cognitive Enhancements for Treatment of Probationers (CETOP) project is investigating cognitive enhancements in a modified therapeutic community (TC) setting. One enhancement is node-link mapping, a visual graphing strategy. Map "nodes" contain ideas, actions, and feelings; these are connected by links that illustrate meaningful relationships. Current findings indicate increases in group participation, ratings of session depth, and positive ratings of coresidents, counselors, and security staff. The present study extends this research by comparing mapping-enhanced counseling to standard counseling on self-efficacy and motivation for basic psychosocial skills (e.g., emotional control). Probationers (n = 381) in a 16-week residential program were assigned randomly to conditions in 12 TCs (n = 30-35). Motivation and self-efficacy were assessed by two self-report questionnaires, one midway and one at the end of treatment. A five-factor solution was produced from each questionnaire. With community as the unit of analysis, means of enhanced counseling were higher in all cases. Wilcoxen tests indicated four significant differences at midterm for mapping on motivation and self-efficacy of communication and emotional control (p < .05). At the end of treatment, mapping was higher for motivation of cognition and emotional control and self-efficacy was higher for communication. Discussing Bandura's model, these findings provide evidence that maps may enhance psychosocial skills, which have been associated with maintaining recovery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Preventing alcohol abuse: an examination of the "Downward Spiral" game and educational videos.

Downward Spiral is a board game developed by the authors to illustrate the dangers of continued substance abuse. Previous work has found that college students and probationers find the game interesting, enjoyable, useful, and realistic [1]. In the current study, college students either played Downward Spiral, watched educational videos on substance abuse, or completed a set of questionnaires unrelated to alcohol and drug abuse. Those students who either played the game or watched the videos rated both as beneficial. However, students who watched videos had somewhat higher levels of consumer satisfaction. Students who played the game rated it as smoother, and they felt more positive following the session than students who watched videos. Both videos and the game increased students' intentions to limit alcohol consumption compared to students who served as controls. Individuals in the game group also indicated significantly greater intentions to change their alcohol behavior than those in the other groups.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Management and prevention of personal problems in older adolescents via schematic maps and peer feedback.

The purpose of the present study was to provide a basis for enhancing personal development in older adolescents by examining the usefulness of two information-processing tools in solving personal problems: schematic maps and peer feedback. Ninety-five college students were assigned to either a schematic map group or an essay group, and further subdivided into groups that worked alone or with a vicarious partner. Assessment consisted of analyzing and generating alternatives to a scenario involving a college student with a drinking problem. Results indicated that alternative generation, an important step in the problem-solving process, is susceptible to experimental manipulation. Schematic maps facilitate the generation of wider-ranging, viable, synergistic alternatives to an uncomfortable situation. Maps help illustrate the complex systems within which problems occur and how patterns of behavior are maintained through reinforcement. Peer feedback may provide information about strategies for the development of additional options.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Effectiveness of node-link mapping enhanced counseling for opiate addicts: a 12-month posttreatment follow-up.

Drug abuse counseling was enhanced by node-link mapping, a visual representation technique, and evaluated in a posttreatment follow-up study. Clients randomly assigned to receive mapping counseling reported less criminal activity 12 months after treatment than did clients in the standard counseling condition. It was also found that among clients staying less than 6 months in treatment, those in the mapping group had fewer urine samples that tested positive for opiates at follow-up. Thus, mapping-enhanced counseling may be especially beneficial for clients who leave treatment prematurely.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

The role of node-link maps in enhancing counseling efficiency.

Node-link mapping is a counseling tool that helps clients and counselors visualize relationships between ideas, actions, and feelings. Previous research has shown that methadone-maintained clients receiving mapping-enhanced counseling have more positive during-treatment outcomes (e.g., better session attendance and higher probability of clean urines) than those receiving standard counseling. Findings also suggest that mapping enhances the efficiency of counseling sessions by increasing "on task" attention and by reducing communication problems. In this study, mapping counseling was associated with greater coverage of collateral issues (i.e., issues indirectly related to drug use) than standard counseling and lower during-treatment use as indicated by urinalysis results.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Downward Spiral: a pedagogical game depicting the dangers of substance abuse.

We have developed a pedagogical game called Downward Spiral that illuminates the dangers associated with continued drug use (including alcohol). The game provides facts, quotes, and episodic consequences that can adversely affect each player's mental and physical health, social support, and financial/legal situation over the course of the game. The conceptual and empirical foundations of the game (both a college prevention version and substance abuse treatment version) are discussed. Pilot studies with college students and residents at a substance abuse treatment facility for probationers indicate that Downward Spiral is engaging, informative, and thought provoking. Plans for examining the impact of this game as a preventive technique (for the college setting) and as an approach to increasing motivation for substance abuse treatment are described.

Counseling↗

PubMed1996

Client education levels and the effectiveness of node-link maps.

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of mapping-enhanced counseling with less educated methadone clients (i.e., clients with no high school diploma or GED). Results indicated that less educated clients exposed to node-link maps during treatment showed better 12-month follow-up outcomes than similar clients exposed to standard methods of counseling. Less educated mapping clients were less likely than their standard counterparts to have used drugs and to have engaged in criminal activities in the 6 months before the follow-up interview.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Schematic maps: cognitive tools for enhancing the early stages of counseling.

The purpose of the present studies was to explore the utility of schematic maps as tools for the early stages of both peer and self-counseling. In experiment 1 (self-counseling), 42 students from undergraduate general psychology classes participated to fulfill course requirements. Participants were assigned to either a schematic map or essay group. They first extracted information about their alcohol-related behavior patterns and then analyzed the patterns from the perspective of a counselor. In experiment 2 (peer counseling), 38 students from upper-division psychology courses participated for extra credit. Participants were asked to evaluate behavior patterns, in the form of maps or essays, which were presented either in the same form as they were extracted or were transposed to the other format. In both studies, assessment consisted of questionnaires that addressed the usefulness of the tools in the counseling process. Schematic maps are potentially powerful tools for both self- and peer counseling. For self-counseling, maps were preferred over traditional essay writing. In addition, the subjective reaction to maps as tools for peer counseling was positive.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMed1995

Attentional difficulties and the effectiveness of a visual representation strategy for counseling drug-addicted clients.

Three hundred thirty-one opioid-addicted clients in methadone treatment were randomly assigned to counselors who used either mapping-enhanced or standard counseling. Those counseled with mapping had lower percentages of during-treatment urine specimens that were positive for either cocaine or opiates, and they were rated by their counselors as having higher rapport, motivation, and self-confidence. Clients were further classified into those exhibiting either good or poor attention during an intake interview. The results suggest that clients with poor attention are more likely to have positive urines, but that this tendency appears to be reduced under mapping-enhanced counseling.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1994

Node-link mapping for counseling cocaine users in methadone treatment.

Treatment engagement problems associated with cocaine-using opioid addicts were addressed using a cognitively enhanced counseling strategy. Analysis of client urines, participation, and counselor ratings of clients over a 6-month period during treatment indicated that the use of node-link mapping--a multipurpose visual representation strategy for communication--produced better results for both low and high cocaine-using opioid addicts in methadone maintenance than those treated without this enhancement.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The role of node-link mapping in individual and group counseling.

The value of using a visual representation strategy, called node-linking mapping, was evaluated in individual and group drug abuse counseling settings. Methadone maintenance clients were randomly assigned to counselors trained to use mapping techniques (n = 57), and those who used standard counseling (n = 51). Clients in the mapping counseling group had more favorable perceptions of their own therapeutic engagement and progress as indicated by ratings of cognitive-behavioral and motivational attributes than did those in standard counseling. Overall, individual sessions were viewed by clients as being more valuable than group counseling, but the use of mapping increased the helpfulness attributed to group counseling to near the same level as individual counseling.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Identifying the best scenario for using schematic organizers as integration tools for alcohol-related information.

The goal of the present study was to examine scenarios for using two schematic organizers--schematic knowledge maps and conceptual matrices--in integrating episodic and semantic knowledge about alcohol. Seventy students from undergraduate general psychology classes participated for course credit. Participants were assigned to either a schematic organizer group or an essay writing group. These groups were subdivided further into two treatment sequences: episodic/semantic and semantic/episodic. The episodic activity required participants to complete materials using their own alcohol-related experiences, whereas the semantic activity required participants to annotate expert materials. Assessment measures used were consumer-satisfaction questionnaires and free-recall tests. While no preferences were established for any one scenario, the episodic activities were rated higher than the semantic activities regardless of integration sequence. The semantic/episodic integration scenario did produce higher recall scores for the expert information.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Using scripted cooperation to communicate information about the consequences of alcohol and cocaine use.

Fifty-two participants from undergraduate psychology classes at a private university were asked to study, either cooperatively or individually, information dealing with the consequences of using alcohol and cocaine. Objectives were to (a) determine the effect of cooperative study on recall, (b) assess personal reactions to the information presented, and (c) assess the effect of individual differences. Findings indicate that cooperative study can facilitate both recall of information as well as degree of understanding and confidence in dealing with persons using alcohol/cocaine; that the materials used were received positively; and that verbal ability may play a subtle role in college students' responses to alcohol/cocaine information.

Adolescent↗