Women’s preference of therapist based on sex of therapist and presenting problem: An analog study

Abstract

An analogue study was conducted to examine differences in women’s preference for and anticipated comfort self-disclosing to hypothetical therapists of different sexes based on the type of hypothetical presenting problem. The impact of general level of self-disclosure was also examined. Participants included female college students (n=187). Anticipated comfort self-disclosing to male or female therapist was rated by subjects when presented with therapists of each sex with the same qualifications. Women preferred and reported higher levels of anticipated comfort self-disclosing to a female therapist. Type of hypothetical presenting problem and general level of self-disclosure also impacted anticipated comfort self-disclosing. There was an interaction between general level self-disclosure and the sex of therapist on anticipated comfort self-disclosing. General level of self-disclosure only impacted anticipated comfort self-disclosing when the therapist was male. This information is relevant for therapists or organizations that provide psycho-social services to women. Organizations may want to inquire about a client’s preferences about sex of therapist beforehand and, if possible, cater to the client’s preference.

Service Members Prefer a Psychotherapist Who Is a Veteran

“…Our findings are consistent with prominent theories of the client-therapist relationship ( Cashdan, 1989 ; Lambert, 1992 ; Gelso and Carter, 1994 ; Leibert and Dunne-Bryant, 2015 ) and models that emphasize matching as a contributing factor in the therapeutic alliance ( Tien and Johnson, 1985 ; Schim and Doorenbos, 2010 ; Cabral and Smith, 2011 ; Greenidge and Baker, 2012 ; Landes et al, 2013 ; Weisman and Tishby, 2014 ). Our findings are also consistent with the notion of cultural competency, which holds that therapists and mental health providers should possess cultural knowledge and skills of a particular culture to deliver effective interventions to members of that culture ( Dean, 2001 ; Sue, 2006 ; Bernal et al, 2009 ).…”

“…It has also been found that client-patient similarity is associated with clients’ positive attitudes about the therapy process. This has been observed with respect to client-therapist similarities in gender ( Landes et al, 2013 ) race or ethnicity ( Tien and Johnson, 1985 ; Cabral and Smith, 2011 ; Landes et al, 2013 ), faith ( Greenidge and Baker, 2012 ), age and seniority ( Lasky and Salomone, 1977 ), and culture ( Dean, 2001 ; Schim and Doorenbos, 2010 ). It seems that the client’s comfort with the therapist during the early stages is drastically affected by how much the client identifies with the therapist in relation to themselves.…”

The relationship between clients' preferences of therapists' sex and mental health support seeking: An exploratory study

“…Earlier studies found unilateral preferences for male therapists (Bernstein, Hofmann, & Wade, 1987), whereas more recent research observed unilateral preferences for female therapists (Landes, Burton, King, & Sullivan, 2013) or no preference (Ip et al, 2016;Liddon, Kingerlee, & Barry, 2017). Earlier studies found unilateral preferences for male therapists (Bernstein, Hofmann, & Wade, 1987), whereas more recent research observed unilateral preferences for female therapists (Landes, Burton, King, & Sullivan, 2013) or no preference (Ip et al, 2016;Liddon, Kingerlee, & Barry, 2017).…”

“…The literature on preferences for therapists' sex is extensive but inconsistent. Earlier studies found unilateral preferences for male therapists (Bernstein, Hofmann, & Wade, 1987), whereas more recent research observed unilateral preferences for female therapists (Landes, Burton, King, & Sullivan, 2013) or no preference (Ip et al, 2016;Liddon, Kingerlee, & Barry, 2017). Furnham and Swami (2008) observed that help-seekers prefer sex-matched therapists, whereas Anderson (2005) found a preference for oppositesex therapists.…”

A developmental‐based motivational intervention to reduce alcohol and marijuana use among non‐treatment‐seeking young adults: a randomized controlled trial

“…Four interventionists—two women and two men, three clinical psychologists and one masters level clinician—conducted the study interventions. Because participants might be more comfortable speaking about certain issues with a therapist of the same gender, most specifically relationship issues, sexual, or traumatic experiences that might relate to emerging adult themes, we matched participant and therapist by gender. Two ninety‐minute training sessions for intervention staff included: 1) a didactic presentation including a brief overview of the study and an overview of alcohol and marijuana use and consequences; 2) a demonstration role play of each intervention (EA‐MI and HE); and 3) opportunity for the study interventionists to practice the intervention using scripted role plays.…”