When the Therapist is Homosexual: An Examination of Therapeutic Outcome Satisfaction

Author

Lewis G. Busbee, University of Texas Permian Basin

Date of Award

Spring 5-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Spencer K. Thompson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Crystale Marsh-McDonald, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Janet A. Carter, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between client satisfaction and therapist sexuality. The current literature had little or no research on the topic. This article defines psychotherapy, noted that most clients perceived psychotherapy was beneficial, and found research stating therapists should consider all ethical implications when working with clients, particularly in regard to how influential therapist can be on their clients. A questionnaire packet was given to participants, and they were asked to complete: a demographic page, and a vignette that included gender and sexuality of therapist, along with a hypothetical treatment plan, a modified version of the CSQ-8 (Attkisson,1977/2011) which measured satisfaction of the hypothetical therapy, and the Homophobia Scale (Wright, 1999), which measured homophobia of participants. Participants included 80 (male = 41, female = 39) college aged students. The results indicated that males appeared to be more homophobic than females. Males and females scored within the same range on the modified CSQ-8. Indicating that sexuality of therapist did not affect the satisfaction of therapy. Further research with a larger, non college population is recommended.

Recommended Citation

Busbee, Lewis G., "When the Therapist is Homosexual: An Examination of Therapeutic Outcome Satisfaction" (2011). Student Dissertations & Theses. 17.
https://falconcommons.utpb.edu/utpb-cas/17