An investigation of the influence of therapist attire on the perception of therapist characteristics.

Abstract

The present study investigated the influence of therapist attire on the perception of therapist characteristics. Subjects wire exposed to one of two therapist attire conditions, either formal or casual, then completed a questionnaire which elicited responses to questions regarding various therapist characteristics Attire conditions were presented as photographs of a male therapist in each of the two attire conditions. The independent variables for this study were therapist attire and sex of subject. Dependent variables were subject ratings of questionnaire items. The sample was comprised of 58 males, and 75 females who were currently enrolled in Introductory Psychology classes at Emporia State University. Analysis was accomplished using the procedures for a 2 X 2 X 10 ANOVA split-plot design. Multiple comparisons of significant effect were made using Tukey's.! procedure. Results indicated that the formally attired therapist was rated more favorably than the casually attired therapist. No statistically significant differences between means were found Attire X Bender or Attire X Questionnaire Item interactions. Analysis of Question effects indicated that although the therapist was perceived as professional, able, willing, trustworthy, and genuine, he was not perceived as warm and did not give the impression of being someone with whom the subject would share personal information or who a child would be comfortable with in a counseling situation.