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Alicia Wein-Senghas, Psy.D., is a 2021 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Theodore Ellenhorn, PhD, Committee Chair
  • David Hamolsky, PsyD, Committee Member
  • Katherine Rusell, PsyD, Committee Member

Keywords

Motivational Interviewing, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Disabilities, Mental Health, Employment

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is increasingly being trained within and integrated into public vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs based on its efficacy in related fields and yet research specific to the efficacy of MI in public VR programs is almost nonexistent. This study used a quantitative sequential design to explore relationships between MI training, MI proficiency, and VR customer outcomes within the State of Vermont’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VT DVR) program. The study occurred in two phases. In the first phase, 30 VR counselors were recruited, and their level of MI proficiency was established using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity Measure 4.2.1. In the second phase, MI proficiency data and MI training data from the 30 VR counselors and VR customer data from 1750 cases were analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression and logistical regression models. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between MI training and VR counselors’ MI proficiency with a moderate predictive effect. Statistically significant positive correlations were also found between MI proficiency and overall activity and quicker engagement in Work Based Learning (WBL) activities on the part of VR customers. The findings of the study contribute to the literature of vocational rehabilitation by offering preliminary evidence of a meaningful relationship between MI proficient VR counselors and VR customer outcomes. The findings also highlight the effectiveness of the MI training design implemented by VT DVR and offers justification for continued investment of resources in supporting VR counselors in becoming proficient in MI.

Comments

Alicia Wein-Senghas

ORCID Scholar ID# 0000-0002-0631-4399

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