1. Supervisee Resistance. ERIC Digest.
- Author
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ERIC Clearinghouse on Counseling and Student Services, Greensboro, NC., Bradley, Loretta J., and Gould, L. J.
- Abstract
This digest focuses on issues of supervisee resistance, defined as defensive behaviors of the supervisee that serve to reduce supervision-induced anxiety. It describes resistant behavior and identifies ways to counteract it, while noting that supervisee resistance is common. The purposes and goals of supervisee resistance, as manifested in verbal and nonverbal behaviors, are discussed and it is concluded that resistant behaviors, regardless of their form, are coping mechanisms intended to reduce anxiety created by the supervision. Supervisee "games" are identified and five types of resistance found in such games are noted: (1) submission; (2) turning the tables; (3) "I'm no good"; (4) helplessness; and (5) projection. Methods of counteracting resistance are suggested. The digest concludes that supervisee resistance will be encountered regardless of the supervisor's skill level, and that the supervisor can learn to take resistance and turn it into a supervisory advantage. Contains 8 references. (NB)
- Published
- 1994