Clinical Evaluations: Impact of Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Gender Role

This study surveyed clinicians regarding their judgments of disturbance as a function of client sexual orientation. gender, and gender role. Members of the American Psychological Association's Psychotherapy Division ( N = 422) read a case description and responded to questions about psychological functioning. Results revealed no differences in diagnosis of depression. but a significant interaction between client sexual orientation and client gender for ratings on alcohol dependence and on schizophrenia. Heterosexual men and lesbians received slightly higher ratings of both disorders than did gay men and heterosexual women. The most significant finding for ratings of psychological functioning was a main effect for client sexual orientation. with gav/lesbian clients evaluated as functioning better in their significant relationships, being more motivated for therapy, and having a higher need for medication.