Basic counseling skills in psychology and teaching: validation of a short version of the counselor activity self-efficacy scales.

BACKGROUND: Counseling self-efficacy is a relevant measure to examine trainees' beliefs about their counseling skills. This study aimed to validate three scales of the revised German version of the Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales (CASES-R) measuring basic counseling skills. To ascertain the scales' sensitivity to change, counseling self-efficacy was assessed before and after specific training. METHOD: The sample comprised 163 university students enrolled either in psychology or education. Students were examined before and after participating in training focusing on basic counseling skills. We applied confirmatory factor analysis and tested internal consistency, convergent validity, and criterion validity. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor structure of the CASES-R scales for basic counseling skills. The scales provided acceptable to good internal consistency (α = 0.77 - 0.87). Significant relations with general self-efficacy (r =.23, p <.01) provided first indication for convergent validity. We also found a significant correlation of the CASES-R with positive affect (r =.22), and significant correlations of some subscales with empathetic concern (r =.16 -.21) and mastery goal orientation (r =.16), overall supporting criterion validity. The CASES-R scales proved to be sensitive to change, as participants' scores were higher after (M = 6.18, SD = 1.05) than before (M = 5.37, SD = 1.16) counseling training (F(1, 309) = 42.27, p <.001). CONCLUSION: We found support for the proposed factor structure and reliability of the German version of the three CASES-R scales, indicating its suitability for use in basic counseling settings. Future research should further examine the scales' validity.

What characterizes helpful personal practice in psychotherapy training? Results of an online survey.

BACKGROUND: Personal practice (PP) is often considered as a central component in psychotherapy training aiming to promote personal and therapeutic competences. However, its implementation varies considerably in practice. AIMS: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the current practice of PP regarding the frequency/occurrence and perceived usefulness/impairment of topics, techniques and effects, as well as its helpful characteristics in psychotherapy training. METHOD: 407 German psychotherapy trainees (214 cognitive behavioural therapy; 178 psychodynamic therapy) were surveyed online as to their current practice of PP. RESULTS: For trainees, personal and therapeutic related topics were discussed. Reflection techniques and self-experiential practice were among the most frequently reported strategies, while the fostering of personal and interpersonal competences was among the effects with the strongest occurrence. However, negative PP effects were recorded as well. Differences in PP practice emerged between therapeutic orientations. CONCLUSIONS: As certain techniques which are central to PP (e.g. self-experience) were also rarely or not used, and negative effects reported, its potential might not be fully utilized.

Differences in psychotherapy preferences between psychotherapy trainees and laypeople.

Despite increasing research on psychotherapy preferences, the preferences of psychotherapy trainees are largely unknown. Moreover, differences in preferences between trainees and their patients could (a) hinder symptom improvement and therapy success for patients and (b) represent significant obstacles in the early career and development of future therapists.We compared the preferences of n = 466 psychotherapy trainees to those of n = 969 laypersons using the Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences. Moreover, we compared preferences between trainees in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic trainees.We found significant differences between both samples in 13 of 18 items, and three of four subscales. Psychotherapy trainees preferred less therapist directiveness (d = 0.58), more emotional intensity (d = 0.74), as well as more focused challenge (d = 0.35) than laypeople. CBT trainees preferred more therapist directiveness (d = 2.00), less emotional intensity (d = 0.51), more present orientation (d = 0.76) and more focused challenge (d = 0.33) than trainees in psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy.Overall, the results underline the importance of implementing preference assessment and discussion during psychotherapy training. Moreover, therapists of different orientations seem to cover a large range of preferences for patients, in order to choose the right fit.

Modeling in psychotherapy training: A randomized controlled proof-of-concept trial.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the importance of modeling for learning, it has only so far been investigated in a few controlled studies in psychotherapy training. We, therefore, investigated, across several study outcomes, whether modeling outperformed a control group. METHOD: Sixty-nine trainees (i.e., psychology students; mean age 25.58 years, 81.2% women and 81.2% Caucasian) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG, manual reading plus modeling) or control group (CG, manual reading). After manual reading, IG participants watched a video of a skillfully conducted therapy session, whereas CG participants watched an unspecific tutorial (e.g., solving a Rubik's Cube). Trainees then demonstrated cognitive behavioral interventions in videotaped role-plays with (SPs). Psychotherapeutic competences and counseling skills were rated by two independent raters, on the Cognitive Therapy Scale (CTS) and the Clinical Communication Skills Scale-Short Form (CCSS-S). In addition, raters, trainees, and SPs assessed empathy (Empathy Scale [ES]) and alliance (Helping Alliance Questionnaire [HAQ]). RESULTS: Multilevel modeling revealed Significant Time × Group Effects, that is, psychotherapy competences (CTS, ß = .26, p = .026) and counseling skills (CCSS-S, ß = .31, p = .004) to increase more pre-post in the IG than in the CG (rater perspective). The same applied to the alliance (HAQ) from the external rater and SP perspectives. Trainees evaluated the alliance as improving in both groups from pre to post training (main effect). CONCLUSIONS: The results provide initial support for modeling as important for fostering psychotherapy skills. Future studies should focus on more complex training and real patient encounters. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The concise measurement of clinical communication skills: Validation of a short scale.

Objective: There is a lack of brief rating scales for the reliable assessment of psychotherapeutic skills, which do not require intensive rater training and/or a high level of expertise. Thus, the objective is to validate a 14-item version of the Clinical Communication Skills Scale (CCSS-S). Methods: Using a sample of N = 690 video-based ratings of role-plays with simulated patients, we calculated a confirmatory factor analysis and an exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), assessed convergent validities, determined inter-rater reliabilities and compared these with those who were either psychology students, advanced psychotherapy trainees, or experts. Results: Correlations with other competence rating scales were high (rs > 0.86-0.89). The intraclass correlations ranged between moderate and good [ICC(2,2) = 0.65-0.80], with student raters yielding the lowest scores. The one-factor model only marginally replicated the data, but the internal consistencies were excellent (α = 0.91-95). The ESEM yielded a two-factor solution (Collaboration and Structuring and Exploration Skills). Conclusion: The CCSS-S is a brief and valid rating scale that reliably assesses basic communication skills, which is particularly useful for psychotherapy training using standardized role-plays. To ensure good inter-rater reliabilities, it is still advisable to employ raters with at least some clinical experience. Future studies should further investigate the one- or two-factor structure of the instrument.

Problem drinking among university students in Berlin.

OBJECTIVE: Problem-drinking among university students is common and poses serious health-related risks. Therefore, identifying and addressing associated factors is important. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A large cross-sectional online-survey with 12,914 university students from Berlin was conducted from November 2016 to August 2017. Relative-risk- and correlation-analysis was used to identify factors associated with problem-drinking and regular heavy-drinking. Independent t-tests compared impulsivity and personality traits, chi-square-tests compared drinking motives between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. RESULTS: Male gender, tobacco-smoking, illegal substance use, impulsivity and various sociodemographic and psychosocial variables were significantly related to problem/heavy-drinking. Extraversion was a risk, conscientiousness and agreeableness were protective factors. Drinking-motives did not differ significantly between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. Generally, the main drinking-motives were to feel elated, relax and social purposes. CONCLUSION: The identified markers and related problem behaviors may serve as a tool to enhance the identification of student subgroups at risk for problem/heavy-drinking, and hence improve targeted health-intervention-programs.

Advice on cat behavior in German veterinary practices:Expectations of cat owners and influencing factors on compliance.

Veterinarians play an important role in establishing and sharing the welfare of companion animals by carrying out regular health checks and informing owners about the specific needs of the animal's environment and conditions of good husbandry. A survey among German cat owners revealed which role advice about cat behavior plays in daily practice and its influence on the cat owner's compliance. Some owners (29.6%, n = 263/889) reported behavioral problems in their cat.  Not all owners considered their veterinarian as their contact of choice for behavioral advice, although veterinarians who met owners' expectations for advice on cat behavior are significantly more often described as feline-friendly (P < 0.000). Owners who expected an empathetic treatment of their cat will show a better compliance (P = 0.003). Owner compliance can be improved by providing accurate and effective veterinary advice about cat behavior and behavioral problems (P = 0.003). Thus, a sound foundation in cat behavior and knowledge of current treatment recommendations for feline behavioral problems can be worthwhile to ensure good husbandry for cats.

Corrigendum: Assessing Patient Preferences: Examination of the German Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences.

[This corrects the article on p. 795776 in vol. 12, PMID: 35095681.].

Group cohesion in group-based personal practice.

BACKGROUND: Personal practice (PP) is an integral component of many psychotherapy training programmes. It aims to promote personal and professional growth and is often conducted in a group format (g-PP). Group cohesion is one of the most researched mechanisms in group psychotherapy, but has rarely been studied in the context of g-PP. AIMS AND METHOD: This exploratory study examines the associations between cohesion, satisfaction with g-PP, its impact on personal and professional development, and theoretical orientation in a sample of n = 329 German psychotherapy trainees. Cohesion was assessed with the group questionnaire (GQ-D; Positive Bonding, Positive Working, Negative Relationship). RESULTS: Overall, participants reported high levels of all outcome variables. Positive Bonding was the strongest predictor of satisfaction with g-PP (ß = 0.46, p<.001). While trainees in cognitive behaviour therapy reported significantly better cohesion scores (d≥0.31), trainees in psychodynamic therapy reported significantly higher satisfaction with g-PP and its impact on their developments (d≥0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Group cohesion appears to be an important factor in g-PP that should be actively promoted by group leaders. However, longitudinal study designs are needed to better understand the emergence of cohesion in g-PP as well as potential moderating factors.

Perception of stress in cats by German cat owners and influencing factors regarding veterinary care.

OBJECTIVES: Visiting the veterinarian is generally perceived as a stressful situation for cats. Previous studies have shown that the perception of stress may influence cats' healthcare. In order to minimise stress in cats during the veterinary consultation, feline-friendly handling has gained importance and is increasingly being used. The aim of this study was to find out whether cats experience stress during a visit to the veterinarian (and, if so, to what extent), and which factors influence the perception of stress and whether feline-friendly handling techniques have an impact. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among German cat owners. In total, 889 questionnaires were evaluated. The results were analysed with binary logistic regression and a χ² test. A principal component analysis was used to detect the main influencing factors on the perception of stress. RESULTS: Most of the cats (88.7%, n = 732/825) were perceived as stressed during a veterinary consultation, while only about half of the owners (50.8%, n = 419/824) stated that they felt stressed themselves. The cat owners (n = 819) who perceived visiting the veterinarian as a stressful situation also described their cat as stressed significantly more often compared with owners who did not feel stressed (χ² = 101.113, P <0.001). The probability that owners experienced stress themselves was significantly increased if they perceived their cat to be stressed too (odds ratio 0.073, 95% confidence interval 0.016-0.328). One factor that influenced whether an owner was stressed was the stress behaviour of their cat (P <0.001). Furthermore a feline-friendly demeanour by the veterinarian led to less stress in the owners (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The owner's stress influences the perception of their cat's stress. By adhering to feline-friendly handling guidelines, veterinarians can reduce owner stress associated with veterinary visits, thereby promoting optimal veterinary care and health for their feline patients.

Communicating the diagnosis of cancer or depression: Results of a randomized controlled online study using video vignettes.

BACKGROUND: Communicating a diagnosis is highly important, yet complex, especially in the context of cancer and mental disorders. The aim was to explore the communication style of an oncologist vs. psychotherapist in an online study. METHODS: Patients (N = 136: 65 cancer, 71 depression) were randomly assigned to watch a standardized video vignette with one of two communication styles (empathic vs. unempathic). Outcome measures of affectivity, information recall, communication skills, empathy and trust were applied. RESULTS: Regardless of diagnosis, empathic communication was associated with the perception of a significantly more empathic (p < 0.001, ηpartial2  = 0.08) and trustworthy practitioner (p = 0.014, ηpartial2  = 0.04) with better communication skills (p = 0.013, ηpartial2  = 0.05). Cancer patients reported a larger decrease in positive affect (p < 0.001, ηpartial2  = 0.15) and a larger increase in negative affect (p < 0.001, ηpartial2  = 0.14) from pre- to post-video than depressive patients. Highly relevant information was recalled better in both groups (p < 0.001, d = 0.61-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of empathy while communicating both a diagnosis of cancer and a mental disorder. Further research should focus on the communication of a mental disorder in association with cancer.

[Vaccination - yes or no? What reasons influence the vaccination decision of dog owners? - A survey of responses from private dog owners, breeders and veterinarians]. / Impfen ­ ja oder nein? Wodurch wird die Impfentscheidung von Hundehaltern beeinflusst?

OBJECTIVE: Dogs are important companions in many people's lives. This high priority leads to differentiated considerations regarding the health care of the animal, also with regard to vaccinations. In this study, reasons for the vaccination decision of private dog owners and breeders as well as possible influencing factors were analyzed and compared with the information provided by the participating veterinarians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1480 private dog owners, 349 breeders, and 365 veterinarians participated in this survey, which was conducted exclusively online using the LimeSurvey software. Absolute and percentage frequencies, mean values and standard deviations were analyzed based on the information provided by dog owners and veterinarians. A Mann Whitney test was used to compare the change in vaccination behavior between private dog owners and breeders. RESULTS: A total of 98 % of participants in this study classified their dog as a family member. The evaluation of reasons that influence the vaccination decision of dog owners showed that anxieties and a sense of responsibility play a greater role for dog owners than external circumstances. However, from the point of view of the participating veterinarians, financial aspects and requirements of third parties such as dog schools or boarding houses possess a stronger influence on the vaccination decision than dog owners stated. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The evaluation of the vaccination motives of dog owners revealed results similar to the information provided in parental vaccination decisions. The comparison between statements of the interviewed veterinarians and accounts by the dog owners shows a clear need for communication and education for vaccinations in veterinary practice. Already established strategies from human medicine may also be used for this purpose in veterinary practice and should be developed for veterinary medicine in the future.

Recognizing obsessive-compulsive disorder: how suitable is the German Zohar-Fineberg obsessive-compulsive screen?

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), its precise identification remains challenging. With the Zohar-Fineberg Obsessive-Compulsive Screen (ZF-OCS; 5 or 6 items), a brief instrument is widely available mainly in English. As there is a lack of empirical studies on the ZF-OCS, the aim of the present study was to translate the items into German and investigate the instrument in a nonclinical sample. METHODS: In two consecutive online surveys, n = 304 and n = 51 students participated. Besides the ZF-OCS, they answered established measures on OCD, depression, health anxiety, general anxiety and health-related well-being. RESULTS: Whereas internal consistency was low (α = .53-.72; ω = .55-.69), retest reliability (rt1,t2 = .89) at two weeks was high. As expected, we found high correlations with other OCD instruments (r > .61; convergent validity), and significantly weaker correlations with measures of depression (r = .39), health anxiety (r = .29), and health-related well-being (r = -.28, divergent validity). Nonetheless, the correlations with general anxiety were somewhere in between (r = .52). CONCLUSIONS: Due to heterogeneous OCD subtypes, the ZF-OCS asks diverse questions which probably resulted in the present internal consistency. Nevertheless, the results on retest reliability and validity were promising. As for other OCD instruments, divergent validity regarding general anxiety seems problematic to establish. Even so, the ZF-OCS seems valuable for screening purposes, as it is short and easy to administer, and may facilitate initiating subsequent clinical assessment. Further studies should determine the instrument's diagnostic accuracy.

Prognostic Awareness in Advanced Disease: A Review Update and Concept Analysis.

PURPOSE: Although subjective knowledge about the prognosis of an advanced disease is extremely important for coping and treatment planning, the concept of prognostic awareness (PA) remains inconsistently defined. The aims of the scoping review were to synthesize a definition of PA from the most recent literature, describe preconditions, correlates and consequences, and suggest a conceptual model. METHODS: By using scoping review methodology, we searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases, and included publications, reviews, meta-analyses or guidelines on all physical diagnoses, as well as publications offering a conceptual or an operational definition of PA. The data were analyzed by means of content analysis techniques. RESULTS: Of the 24 included publications, 21 referred exclusively to cancer, one to patients with hip fractures and two to palliative care in general. The deduced definition of PA comprised the following facets: adequate estimation of chances for recovery, knowledge of limited time to live, adequate estimation of life expectancy, knowledge of therapy goals, and knowledge of the course of the disease. Further content analysis results were mapped graphically and in a detailed table. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a lack of theoretical embedding of PA that in turn influences the methods used for empirical investigation. Drawing on a clear conceptual definition, longitudinal or experimental studies would be desirable.

What influence do vets have on vaccination decision of dog owners? Results of an online survey.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to analyse the influence of veterinary advice as well as other sources of information on vaccination decision of dog owners. METHODS: A total of 1480 dog owners participated in this exclusively online conducted survey. Mean comparisons and correlation analyses were performed to check bivariate relationships between general data from the dogs, the dog owners, the vaccination decision making and risk/benefit analyses. RESULTS: The results confirm that veterinarians are the most important source of information on vaccination for dog owners. Nevertheless, the World Wide Web including social media has also to be taken into consideration as a strongly influencing factor. Additionally, the availability of serious information about vaccinations on the internet and on social media has to be reconsidered in general by the veterinarian professional sector. CONCLUSIONS: Veterinarians should be aware of their significant influence on the owner's decision about vaccination and use this knowledge in a targeted way to achieve a high vaccination rate in order to ensure effective herd immunity. Communication strategies for veterinarians to improve information transfer to dog owners are required.

Assessment of Counseling Self-Efficacy: Validation of the German Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales-Revised.

Background: Many authors regard counseling self-efficacy (CSE) as important in therapist development and training. The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the German version of the Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales-Revised (CASES-R). Method: The sample consisted of 670 German psychotherapy trainees, who completed an online survey. We examined the factor structure by applying exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to the instrument as a whole. Results: A bifactor-exploratory structural equation modeling model with one general and five specific factors provided the best fit to the data. Omega hierarchical coefficients indicated optimal reliability for the general factor, acceptable reliability for the Action Skills-Revised (AS-R) factor, and insufficient estimates for the remaining factors. The CASES-R scales yielded significant correlations with related measures, but also with therapeutic orientations. Conclusion: We found support for the reliability and validity of the German CASES-R. However, the subdomains (except AS-R) should be interpreted with caution, and we do not recommend the CASES-R for comparisons between psychotherapeutic orientations.

Assessing Patient Preferences: Examination of the German Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences.

Despite the positive effects of including patients' preferences into therapy on psychotherapy outcomes, there are still few thoroughly validated assessment tools at hand. We translated the 18-item Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences (C-NIP) into German and aimed at replicating its factor structure. Further, we investigated the reliability of the questionnaire and its convergence with trait measures. A heterogeneous sample of N = 969 participants took part in our online survey. Performing ESEM models, we found acceptable model fit for a four-factor structure similar to the original factor structure. Furthermore, we propose an alternative model following the adjustment of single items. The German C-NIP showed acceptable to good reliability, as well as small correlations with Big-Five personality traits, trait and attachment anxiety, locus of control, and temporal focus. However, we recommend further replication of the factor structure and further validation of the C-NIP.

Research priorities set by people with OCD and OCD researchers: Do the commonalities outweigh the differences?

OBJECTIVE: In contrast to research agendas being predominantly set by scientists or funders, a collaborative approach was used to spot future goals for research on obsessive-compulsive disorder. METHODS: First, we conducted a meta-review and then compared the results of two online surveys with OCD professionals and patients on research priorities. The literature search was performed in three comprehensive databases, and ten research goals were extracted. Sixty-four patients and eight professionals responded to open questions on their five most important goals. Then, they ranked the ten aims extracted from the literature on a 6-point Likert scale. RESULTS: For patients and professionals, research on treatment gains that persist long-term was most important. Concerning the top five goals listed in an open format, for patients, development and maintenance of the disease was as important as psychotherapy and its efficacy. In contrast, for professionals, the efficacy and the optimization of psychotherapy were the far most important research goals. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed one possibility to involve patients in OCD research, and the multitude of answers presents a wealth of research ideas. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Since consistent research involvement may contribute to its clinical impact, researchers are now invited to translate our findings into empirical studies.

Perspectives of patients with multiple myeloma on accepting their prognosis-A qualitative interview study.

OBJECTIVE: Prognostic awareness is essential for making treatment decisions in malignant diseases. Being confronted with a poor prognosis, however, can affect patients' mental health. Therefore, it is important to study coping in the context of malignant diseases. Acceptance is an adaptive coping strategy associated with less psychological distress. This study sought to explore the facilitators and barriers for prognostic acceptance in a sample in which both hope and uncertainty regarding prognosis are pronounced: multiple myeloma patients. METHODS: In a German university hospital, 20 multiple myeloma patients participated in semistructured interviews. Following thematic content analysis by Kuckartz, the interview transcripts were coded for facilitators and barriers for prognostic acceptance. Additionally, patients completed questionnaires on prognostic awareness and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Patients described the following facilitators for prognostic acceptance: social support, positive thinking, focusing on the Here and Now, proactive confrontation, having little to no symptoms, and being there for others. The indicated barriers were distressing physical symptoms and restricted functioning, social distress, and additional distress from other areas of life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients reported a variety of factors-related to the social realm, symptom burden, and specific attitudes-that help or hinder them in accepting their prognosis. Oncologists and psycho-oncologists may support prognostic acceptance by encouraging patients to both actively deal with realistic information as well as enjoy pleasant and meaningful moments in the present during which the disease and its prognosis recedes into the background.