Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references (p.112-125).

The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of beliefs of substance abuse counselors regarding multiple relationships. The association between beliefs and the variables of educational level, recovery status, experience, and supervision were explored. Purposeful sampling and multiple criteria were used to select seven states of the 31 that responded to a request for information regarding licensure or certification in their state. Participants were chosen from the following seven states: Arizona, Illinois, Maine, Maryland (D.C.), Montana, North Carolina, and Wyoming. Twenty percent (20 %) of individuals from each of the seven states were selected to participate. Random sampling was utilized to select participants from each of the seven mailing lists. Participants were mailed a cover letter, demographic questionnaire, and a researcher-developed instrument entitled the Multiple Relationship Survey for Substance Abuse Counselors (MRS SAC). Of the 765 surveys that were assumed to have been delivered, 387 usable surveys were returned for a return rate of 50.6%. Results of the study showed that two variables were indicative of a lower total score on the MRS SAC, which indicated participants viewed more items as ethically problematic. Non-recovering individuals obtained a lower total score on the MRS SAC and individuals currently receiving supervision obtained a lower total score. This indicated non-recovering individuals and individuals receiving supervision found more multiple relationship behaviors to be ethically problematic than recovering individuals and individuals not receiving supervision. Highest degree obtained, experience prior to licensure, and supervision prior to licensure were not associated with lower total scores on the MRS SAC indicating these factors did not contribute to beliefs regarding multiple relationship behaviors. The results of this study have implications for substance abuse counselors, counselor educators, and national and state certification boards. Recommendations for further research were offered.

Preliminary research exists indicating the importance of counselor attitudes and organizational features as influencing use of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Conceptual models of evidence-based practice implementation posit relationships among factors theoretically associated with use of an EBP, yet little research exists that explores how a constellation of counselor characteristics relate to counselors’ use of evidence-based practices. Research is also lacking on the role of counselor characteristics in use of motivational interviewing, a specific evidence-based practice. In addition to identifying counselor characteristics associated with use of MI, this study explores how counselor characteristics directly and indirectly affect implementation relationships for MI. The study sample comes from a larger study testing how organizational facilitation influences outpatient substance abuse counselors’ use of MI, and client outcomes. Multiple regression was used to explore the contribution of counselor characteristics (amount of MI training, MI skill level, motivation to use MI, supportive attitudes toward MI, perception of organizational climate and MI skill level) on reported use of MI. Analyses with each dependent variable had different sample sizes: N=76 for relationships tested between counselor characteristics and use of MI and N=46 for relationships tested between counselor characteristics and MI skill level. Results suggest that among these characteristics, supportive attitudes related to MI and motivation to use MI significantly contribute to counselors’ use of MI with clients. Further, supportive attitudes related to MI and motivation to use MI each partially mediates the relationship between amount of MI training and counselor use of MI. But, findings are tempered by a sample comprised of relatively low levels of training and low MI skill level. Despite having very little training, and low skill levels, high usage of MI was reported by counselors. More empirical research utilizing larger samples with higher training levels is needed to better understand how counselor characteristics may affect EBPs implementation in order to promote the effective use of evidence-based practices. / text

Numerous research studies have concluded that values drive perceptions, responses to situations, judgments, interactions among people, and behaviors. In addition, studies have found that congruence or agreement between individual values and organizational values can increase job satisfaction and commitment. Minimal research has explored the concept of value congruence between substance abuse counselors and their treatment settings, and its impact on perceived ethical work behaviors and organizational commitment. This study explored how the extent of fit between individual and organizational values impacts ethical work behaviors and organizational commitment of substance abuse counselors.

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