Asian-American university students' expectations and attitudes toward psychotherapy: The effects of a role preparation procedure

Gayle Yuri Iwamasa, Purdue University

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an audiotaped role preparation procedure on the attitudes and expectations of therapy of Asian American and European American university students. Role preparation procedures differed in terms of therapy style (cognitive v. affective) and type of information presented (client responsibility v. therapy process). Within-group differences examined included level of acculturation and sex differences. Role preparations were effective in changing attitudes of Asian Americans by exposure to information regarding the client's responsibility in psychotherapy. Further, Asian American subjects had significantly less favorable initial attitudes toward therapy as compared to European Americans when level of acculturation was controlled for, however, there were no group differences after exposure to the experimental manipulation. Results also revealed sex differences in initial attitudes among European Americans, with females having more positive attitudes than males, while no sex differences were found among Asian Americans. Finally, results indicated that more sensitive and valid measures of acculturation, attitudes and expectations of psychotherapy need to be developed for Asian American populations.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Rollock, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy|Academic guidance counseling

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