Effects of an intake interview on client anxiety and depression

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Authors
Krippner, Kevin M.
Advisor
Hutchinson, Roger L.
Issue Date
1988
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (Ph. D.)
Department
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The basic purpose of the study was to examine the effects of intake interviews an the anxiety and depression of clients. It was hypothesized that intake interviews would reduce symptomology, as it has been shown that even brief interactions with clinicians can be beneficial. Gender of both client and counselor were also examined for main effects and/or interactions. No difference in symptomology based on gender of client or counselor was anticipated.Two hundred ninety-nine adult out-patients of a university training practicum clinic were administered anxiety and depression inventories either before or after intake interviews. Intake interviews were performed by doctoral or masters level students assigned to fellowship duties at the clinic.The intake interview consisted of two parts. The First part was the gathering of relevant demographic information and questions which solicited information about the problems clients were experiencing which prompted the need For counseling. The second part of the intake consisted of a testing battery composed of the Beck Depression Inventory (SDI), Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Tennessee Self-Concept Scale CTSCS). Only the BDI and State component of the STAI were used in the study.Each of the parts in the intake took approximately 45 minutes to complete. Intakes were scheduled in two-hour time blocks which allowed sufficient time For completion of the entire intake. The experimental manipulation was accomplished by having counselors alternate the order of the interview and assessment battery.The design of the study was a 2 x 2 x 2 (order of interview/assessment battery, client gender, counselor gender). Analysis of the data was performed using a Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) procedure.There were no significant results for any of the BDI score analyses, and only one significant result For the STAI score analyses. The intake interview was not found to affect the anxiety or depression of clients, failing to support the main hypothesis of the study. Depression and anxiety were also not affected by client gender. However, anxiety was significantly lower for clients of Female vs. male counselors. Depression was not affected. No interactions were found to be significant.