Quantitative Assessment and EAPs

Abstract

Timely problem identification/assessment is one of the core technologies of employee assistance programs (EAPs). Historically, assessment primarily involved assessing individual problems. Increasingly, EAPs are expected to assess couple, family, and even organizational problems. Although the most common methods of assessment are qualitative in nature (e.g., personal interview), there are several advantages to utilizing quantitative assessments as a method of gathering information from clients regarding individual problems, relationship dynamics, and organizational functioning. In this article the authors discuss the merits of quantitative assessment in EAP service delivery and describe their use and development of quantitative measures for assessing individuals, couples, families, and organizations.

Key Words:

• EAP
• assessment
• resources
• quantitative