The impact of paraprofessional alcoholism counselor training

The present study evaluated the impact of a Navy alcoholism counselor training program. Forty-five trainees were tested before and after an intense 10-week training period at the Naval Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in San Diego. A pilot study enabled methodology refinement and selection of instruments most discriminating change over training. Based on pilot data, 12 measures were utilized: nine personality scales from a short form MMPI (Mini-Mult) and the Comrey Personality Scale, an alcoholism knowledge and attitude test, and a counseling skills effectiveness measure. Results indicate a significant positive change over training on several measures of alcoholism attitudes, knowledge. and counselor effectiveness. Significant differences were also noted on several personality scales indicating change toward the normal range. The findings suggest that the training appeared to have a significant positive impact on trainees. Some implications and limitations are discussed.