Coding Relational Communication Control in Counseling: Criterion Validity

I review theoretical and empirical issues that have arisen from the use of the Relational Communication Control Coding System ( Ericson & Rogers, 1973 ) in counseling research, and I report on a two-factor criterion validity study. Subjects were 242 undergraduates in 10 groups who listened to one of five audiotaped interactions after being told that the pair was a husband and wife or a counselor and client. Each interaction was loaded with one type of symmetrical or complementary communication control pattern. Subjects' perceptions of the control patterns were compared with the coded control patterns and were generally consistent for four of the five interactions. Perceptions of the control dynamics in one type of complementary interaction were generally not congruent with the coding. I discuss the results and their implications for coding modifications that would enhance the system as a tool for counseling research.