Date of Award

1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

First Advisor

Pamela Nickels

Second Advisor

Marilyn Patterson

Third Advisor

Anita Sankar

Abstract

The importance of matching the client and the therapist on certain variables has been stressed by researchers as being an important part of the therapeutic process. While several studies have addressed the locus of control of the client and its relationship to therapeutic communications, few have focused on therapist variables as being just as important. This study examines the relationship between the locus of control of the therapist, the theoretical orientation of the therapist, and the directiveness of therapeutic communications. Subjects for this study were 82 Professional Counselors Licensed in the state of Missouri. In addition to demographic data sheets, subjects were asked to complete a measure of locus of control and a measure of directiveness. Chi-Squares and Pearson Correlations were performed to examine possible relationships. No significant relationship was found between any of the three variables examined. A significant result was found for gender and directiveness style of communication. A discussion of the limitations of this study and implications for future research are given.

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