Brief Client Self-Report Predictors of Psychological Distress

Abstract

Despite efforts to identify best counseling approaches, evidence suggests that client variables are a more potent source of outcome. Two separate samples of adult clients were tested using cross-sectional designs. Study 1 used an Internet sample (N = 224) and Study 2 used a university counseling training center sample (N = 159). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that four client constructs (i.e., presenting problem, security needs, life role satisfaction, and support network) accounted for 52% and 63% of the variance in client symptom levels for Study 1 and Study 2, respectively. The pragmatic use of the findings are discussed.

• adults
• assessment
• change
• counseling outcome
• quantitative

Notes

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or Publication of this article.

The author(s) received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Todd W. Leibert

Todd Leibert is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Oakland University. His primary scholarly interest is in outcome assessment in counseling. Specifically, Dr. Leibert is interested in identifying the particular variables that contribute to positive and negative outcomes in the counseling process.