Gender-role stereotypes and interpersonal behavior how addicted inpatients view their ideal male and female therapist.

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the influences of self-perceived interpersonal behavior of addicted inpatients (n = 107) on the stereotypes of their ideal male and female therapist. Based on the interpersonal model of personality patients were asked to describe their ideal male and female therapist. Perceptions of interpersonal behavior of the ideal therapist are determined by the self-perceived interpersonal behavior of the patients rather than by their gender. Ideal therapists are described as managerial-autocratic and sociable-extravert, which is in almost perfect accordance with the self-perceptions of therapists. Although most of the patients prefer a female therapist, the interpersonal behavior of a male or a female therapist does not differ significantly. The results are discussed from the viewpoint that mutual expectations and preferences between patients and therapists are thought to be of crucial importance for the outcome of therapy. In the process of matching patients and therapists, these expectations should not only be assessed, but also used to improve the final matching.