A COMPARISON OF THE INTERPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING STUDENTS AND COLLEGE-STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES

Because the interpersonal characteristics of counselors have a demonst rated effect on counseling outcomes, the interpersonal characteristics of rehabilitation counseling students were compared with those of oth er college students. Participants were studied in 4 groups: (a) congen ital disability (CD), (b) acquired disability (AD), (c) no disability (ND), and (d) rehabilitation counseling (RC). Gender differences were identified between the RC and the ND groups. Significant differences a mong the RC, AD, and CD groups were found: RC students demonstrated mo re moderate levels of expressing inclusion, expecting submission, and wanting control. RC students also demonstrated strengths and weaknesse s in their interpersonal expectations. Educational and counseling impl ications, based on interpersonal theory and attachment theory, are exp lored.