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Characteristics of female clients that influence preference for the socially intimate and nonintimate female psychotherapists
Author(s) -
Mindingall Marilyn P.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(198503)41:2<188::aid-jclp2270410210>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - psychology , empathy , preference , expectancy theory , perception , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , developmental psychology , social psychology , neuroscience , economics , microeconomics
This study documented the relationship among various client characteristics and client preference for therapists who exhibit intimate and nonintimate therapy styles. Seventy‐five female college students were administered in random order measures to assess their levels of social intimacy, sex role type, locus of control, therapy expectancy, and authoritarianism. The participants then watched in random order of presentation the audiovisual recordings of first therapy sessions that reflected intimate and nonintimate therapy styles. After each tape was presented, the participants completed a measure to assess their perceptions of the therapeutic relationship and a preference form. Results show that the socially intimate women have a preference for the intimate therapist. Results also show that women expect the therapist to exhibit intimate behaviors and that those who prefer this type of therapist perceive her as possessing significantly higher levels of intimacy, regard, empathy, and unconditional acceptance.