| Abstract: | Tested the hypothesis that androgynous therapists would form more favorable psychotherapy relationships with their clients than masculine or feminine therapists. 52 psychology practicum dyads (therapists aged 26–40 yrs, clients aged 18–30 yrs) were examined in the context of in vivo psychotherapy sessions. The therapists and clients each completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory—Revised, and clients also completed the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory. Results indicate that androgynous therapists were judged to produce more favorable relationships, regardless of gender. It is suggested that this superior relationship with androgynous therapists may be attributed to their uniqueness in dealing with problem-solving and interpersonal situations and their ability to blend masculine and feminine orientations. They can be assertive, yet supportive; engage in activities both traditionally gender appropriate and non-sex-typed; demonstrate a greater array of personal behavior and emotionality; organize cognitive data in non-gender-related ways; and combine an open, naturalistic interviewing style with directiveness. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
