Autonomous Mode of Systematic Dilemma Counseling

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Abstract
The autonomous dilemma counseling system is described and evaluated. The Dilemma Counseling Module teaches the dilemma problem-solving method. Solution components contain 75 representative life-choice problems and over 400 specific and general solutions. The Dilemma Therapeuter Component provides, on cassettes, supportive commentary from a counselor. 75 students with troublesome psychological dilemmas were randomly assigned to treatment groups or to a no-contact control group. One treatment condition consisted of the complete system while the other condition omitted the Dilemma Therapeuter. Treatment and control subjects responded to measures of problem improvement at a 1-wk. follow-up session. Each treatment group improved significantly more than the control group. Treatment groups did not differ. Findings are compared with those of a previous experiment in which the same design and dependent measures were used but in which treatment was given counselors using either the Dilemma Counseling ( n = 20) or an eclectic method ( n = 20). A combined analysis indicated no difference between the autonomous and counselors' treatments. It was concluded that the system can be independently applied. Future research is discussed.