DEVELOPMENT OF A QUESTIONNAIRE TO EXAMINE THE ROLE OF COUNSELORS WORKING WITH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS

The Role Perception Questionnaire (RPQ) was developed to measure the p erceptions of school-based counsellors who work with students or their families with alcohol, tobacco or other drug-related problems. The Al cohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (AAPPQ) was used a s a guide in developing the RPQ: This paper addresses the conceptual d evelopment, factor structure and internal reliability of this new ques tionnaire. Content and face validity were examined using expertise fro m the held. Statistical analysis of the 47 items resulted in the ident ification of four factors (sub-scales) described as Role Adequacy, Rol e Support, Role Perception and Role Definition. Recommendations are ma de for further development of the questionnaire and its use as a tool for assessing training needs for those who work with young people in s chools.