| Abstract: | Identified 2 groups of 49 university students as repressors and sensitizers based on scores on Byrnes's Repression-Sensitization Scale. Ss completed the Jourard Self-Disclosure Questionnaire and a Likert-type scale rating dimensions of psychotherapy to assess effects of defensive orientation on expectations for a psychotherapy relationship. Repressors indicated significantly more willingness than sensitizers to self-disclose during the 1st 4 hrs of therapy. Repressors expected more planned than spontaneous activity by the therapist, felt therapist personality less important than sensitizers in facilitating change, and rated themselves significantly less likely than sensitizers to enter psychotherapy in the future. Results are discussed within the framework of repressing and sensitizing defensive styles. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
