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Abstract

A scale measuring client verbal expressivity in the context of a client counselor interaction was designed and initial estimates of its reliability and validity were assessed, utilizing a sample of 28 institutionalized retarded subjects and a control group of 9 nonretarded subjects. Both inter- and intrarater reliabilities were found to be satisfactory. The initial validity studies suggest (a) that the scale discriminates differently in retarded and nonretarded populations, (b) that the diagnostic information provided by the scale might be useful in addition to that which is provided by standardized tests of intelligence and language ability, and (c) that changes in client verbal expressivity might be expected to occur over the course of counseling. Restrictions on the interpretation of these results are voted, and guidelines for future research are suggested.

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Verbal Expressivity as a Client Variable in Counseling the Mentally Retarded

Abstract

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