The influence of client socioeconomic status on psychotherapists' attributional biases and countertransference reactions
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Published on: January 17, 2025
Jennifer L Dougall1, Robert C Schwartz
1The University of Akron, Department of Counseling, 302 Buchtel Common, Akron, OH 44325-5007, USA.
Abstract:
Clinical reaction related to client socioeconomic status has not been adequately researched, yet socioeconomic status can profoundly affect psychotherapist perceptions of a client's presenting concerns, symptom severity, and prognosis. Using an online national survey, this study examined the influence of client socioeconomic status on psychotherapist cognitive attributions and countertransference reactions (N = 141). Results revealed no significant differences in cognitive attributions based on socioeconomic status. However, significantly stronger countertransference reactions of being dominated by the client with a higher socioeconomic status were found. In addition, the clients with higher socioeconomic status were ascribed with mild problems compared with the client of lower socioeconomic status. Psychotherapeutic implications are discussed.
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