Verbal-reinforcement and model-reinforcement group counseling with alienated students.

Abstract

This research investigates the effects of model-reinforcement and verbal-reinforcement group counseling on alienated high school students. Juniors in three high schools who scored one standard deviation above the mean on a scale of alienation were selected for inclusion in the study. In each school these students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: model reinforcement, verbal reinforcement, placebo, and control. Findings: (a) Both reinforcement counseling groups were effective in reducing students' feelings of alienation. (b) There were no significant differences between the effects of the model-reinforcement and verbal-reinforcement counseling. (c) There was no interaction between counselors and treatments or between sex of student and treatment. (d) The placebo treatment had no significant effect on alienation.