Enhancing counselors' competency in interpreting nonverbal cues: a preliminary study on the effectiveness of the Nonverbal Behavior Training Program (NOBET)

Reading nonverbal behavior is important for mental health professionals in terms of helping clients understand their feelings and intentions. The current study aims to develop a training program for nonverbal behavior and evaluate the program's effectiveness in terms of counselors' ability to understand and interpret nonverbal behavior. This study uses a mixed method (2 x 2 factorial design (experimental-control group/pre-test-post-test) and case study design). Subjects in the experimental study consisted of 46 counselors. Data was collected using a personal information form, Japanese and Caucasian Facial Expressions of Emotion (JACFEE), Momentary Emotion Recognition Test (MOERT), Nonverbal Behavior Knowledge Level Assessment Test (NOBEKLAT), and a semi-structured interview form. The results show a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the counselors in the experimental and control groups' pre-test and post-test for JACFEE (F (1.44) = 18.804, p < .001, eta 2 = 0.30), MOERT (F (1.44) = 16,780, p < .001, eta 2 = 0.28) and NOBEKLAT (F (1.44) = 9.381, p < .01, eta 2 = 0.18). The follow-up test conducted two months later results did not differ from the post-test. As a result of the content analysis of the qualitative research, subjects' opinions about NOBET were grouped under four themes: Characteristics of NOBET, its contribution to behavioral analysis, its contribution to self-awareness, and suggestions. The findings suggest that NOBET contributes to counselors' ability to read nonverbal communication.