The training of paraprofessionals as behavior modifiers: a review.

Paraprofessionals are increasingly being employed in the mental health field. While much interest has focused on their roles and functioning, little systematic attention has been devoted to an examination of training practices. Because a particularly compatible relationship may exist between paraprofessionals and the behavioral model of intervention, this review focuses on the training and use of paraprofessionals as behavior modifiers. Paraprofessional populations reviewed include psychiatric aides and nurses, college students, inpatients, and community and indigenous workers. The review concludes that a strong case can be made for the administrative feasibility of training and utilizing diverse groups of paraprofessionals as behavior modifiers. The lack of consistent, solid outcome evidence prohibits a conclusion relative to the effectiveness of these paraprofessionals at this point in time. Numerous researchable questions concerning the effectiveness of various forms of training with paraprofessionals, optimal length of training for various purposes, training resistances, etc., are unanswered. Beyond this, a serious lack of communication of the basic process of training is revealed, and the perhpas questionable roles paraprofessionals are being trained for is discussed.