Stereotyping as a negative factor in substance abuse treatment

Sixty addicts, health professionals, and counseling students were administered the Internal-External Locus of Control Test and the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List to determine if stereotypes exist between the subject groups, the nature of the stereotypes, and if educational level alters the stereotypes. The findings demonstrated gross misperception of addict clients by the health professionals and students, particularly toward psychotic and hostile dimensions. Educational level was found to improve the accuracy of the nonaddict perceptions. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings as they pertain to development of the counselor-client relationship, recidivism, and treatment of substance abuse clients.