The effect of an attribution of control to a self-harming client on mental health staff attitudes and choice of clinical management strategies
The effect of an attribution of control to a self-harming client on mental health staff attitudes and choice of clinical management strategies
Attribution theory (Sharrock et al., 1990) has highlighted the importance of attributions of control on staff optimism and help-giving. The perception of a self-harming client as in control of her actions has been identified as a crucial determinant of staff attitudes (Huband & Tantam, 1999) but has not been studied in relation to clinical management (Huband & Tantam, 1999).
This study aimed to investigate the effects of an attribution of control to a self-harming client on staff attitudes, optimism and choice of clinical management strategies. Attribution of control was manipulated in relation to two self-harming ‘clients’ presented in vignettes (‘in control’ and ‘not in control’ of behaviour). Staff were asked to complete questionnaires relating to their attitudes, optimism and preferred clinical management. The effect of counselling or psychotherapy training, associated with a more understanding approach (Huband & Tantam, 2000) was also studied.
Despite differing attributions towards the clients, staff were consistent in their attitudes and optimism. Similar clinical management strategies were endorsed for both clients. However, staff were less likely to refer a client for psychotherapy when control was attributed compared to when control was not attributed. Higher staff optimism was associated with increased likelihood of psychotherapy referral in this instance. Staff trained in counselling or psychotherapy did not differ significantly in their approach to staff without such training. The results are discussed in relation to the high proportion of staff trained in counselling or psychotherapy in the participant group and the possible cultural effects this may exert on services working with self-harming clients.
University of Southampton
Brunetti, Antonella Luisa
d5322f9e-10cd-47b3-89bf-b8fc61105586
2004
Brunetti, Antonella Luisa
d5322f9e-10cd-47b3-89bf-b8fc61105586
Brunetti, Antonella Luisa
(2004)
The effect of an attribution of control to a self-harming client on mental health staff attitudes and choice of clinical management strategies.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
Attribution theory (Sharrock et al., 1990) has highlighted the importance of attributions of control on staff optimism and help-giving. The perception of a self-harming client as in control of her actions has been identified as a crucial determinant of staff attitudes (Huband & Tantam, 1999) but has not been studied in relation to clinical management (Huband & Tantam, 1999).
This study aimed to investigate the effects of an attribution of control to a self-harming client on staff attitudes, optimism and choice of clinical management strategies. Attribution of control was manipulated in relation to two self-harming ‘clients’ presented in vignettes (‘in control’ and ‘not in control’ of behaviour). Staff were asked to complete questionnaires relating to their attitudes, optimism and preferred clinical management. The effect of counselling or psychotherapy training, associated with a more understanding approach (Huband & Tantam, 2000) was also studied.
Despite differing attributions towards the clients, staff were consistent in their attitudes and optimism. Similar clinical management strategies were endorsed for both clients. However, staff were less likely to refer a client for psychotherapy when control was attributed compared to when control was not attributed. Higher staff optimism was associated with increased likelihood of psychotherapy referral in this instance. Staff trained in counselling or psychotherapy did not differ significantly in their approach to staff without such training. The results are discussed in relation to the high proportion of staff trained in counselling or psychotherapy in the participant group and the possible cultural effects this may exert on services working with self-harming clients.
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Published date: 2004
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Local EPrints ID: 467104
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/467104
PURE UUID: 21c19182-977d-425c-aef9-45fc80d0b7a7
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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 08:12
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 20:59
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Author:
Antonella Luisa Brunetti
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