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Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Clients' perceptions of their psychotherapists' multicultural orientation
Jesse J Owen1, Karen Tao, Mark M Leach
1Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. jesse.owen@louisville.edu
Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.)
|June 7, 2011
Summary
Clients perceiving their psychotherapists
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
- Cultural Psychology
Background:
- Multicultural orientation (MCO) in psychotherapy is increasingly recognized for its importance.
- Understanding the impact of Mca on client outcomes is crucial for effective therapeutic practice.
- Previous research has explored various therapist factors, but the specific role of MCO needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between clients' perceptions of psychotherapists' multicultural orientation (MCO) and their psychological functioning.
- To investigate the relationship between MCO perceptions and the working alliance and real relationship.
- To test the mediating role of working alliance and real relationship in the MCO-psychological functioning link.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Involved 176 clients assessing their perceptions of their psychotherapists' MCO.
- Utilized measures for psychological functioning, working alliance, and real relationship.
Main Results:
- Clients' perceptions of MCO were positively associated with working alliance, real relationship, and psychological functioning.
- The working alliance significantly mediated the relationship between MCO perceptions and psychological functioning.
- The real relationship did not significantly mediate this relationship.
Conclusions:
- A strong multicultural orientation in therapists, as perceived by clients, enhances the therapeutic alliance.
- This improved alliance, particularly the working alliance, is a key factor in facilitating clients' psychological well-being.
- Therapists' cultural sensitivity positively influences client credibility and comfort, leading to better therapeutic outcomes.
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