This study examines how the beliefs of 139 psychologists regarding the causes of male homosexuality influenced how favorably they perceived male clients presenting in therapy with concerns about sexual orientation. The independent variables were the goal the client identified (accept or change his orientation) and the beliefs the psychologist had about the causes of homosexuality (more the result of "nature" or "nurture"). It was hypothesized that a significant interaction would be found between the client's goal from therapy and the psychologists' etiological beliefs, which would influence favorability of client perception. It was further hypothesized that psychologists would perceive a client seeking change would be perceived less favorably than one seeking to accept his orientation. To measure participants' beliefs, the Etiological Beliefs Regarding Male Homosexuality (EBRMH) scale was developed. Positive scores indicate more internal beliefs (nature), whereas negative scores reflect more external beliefs (nurture). Favorability was assessed by combining four ratings participants' made about the client: 1-client's level of pathology, 2-appropriateness of the client's goal for therapy, 3-likelihood the client will achieve his goal, and 4-participants' willingness to provide requested treatment. Data were analyzed using multiple regression, and no demographic variables made a significant contribution to the model. Both independent variables and their interaction were significant, however. The interaction was more closely examined using the Johnson-Neyman technique.The research hypotheses were largely supported. Participants viewing homosexuality as more influenced by internal factors strongly preferred clients seeking to accept their homosexuality over clients wanting to change it. Participants with more external beliefs felt more similarly regarding clients regardless of goal, though most viewed the client wanting to accept his orientation more favorably. A small group of participants (n = 8) with extremely external beliefs reported no difference in how they viewed the client regardless of his goal.The results of the present study challenge some empirically supported beliefs about judgments regarding homosexual clients. Specifically, several factors often considered to influence how favorably a homosexual client is seen (e.g. amount of clinical experience with homosexual clients, being homosexual oneself) had no real influence on favorability ratings. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/180344 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Rush, Jeffrey D. |
| Contributors | Spengler, Paul M. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | vii, 175 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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