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The first few minutes
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|October 1, 1981
Summary
Therapists form accurate initial impressions of patients within seconds, using subtle cues from patients and their companions. These early assessments often predict later, more detailed evaluations in psychotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Therapists form rapid impressions of new patients.
- These initial judgments influence the therapeutic process.
- Understanding early assessment is crucial for effective psychotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the basis of therapists' first impressions of patients.
- To examine the types of clues used in initial patient assessments.
- To determine the accuracy and predictive value of these first impressions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of observational data during initial patient encounters.
- Review of factors contributing to preconscious and conscious inferences.
- Correlation of first impressions with later, in-depth patient assessments.
Main Results:
- Therapists utilize diverse cues (e.g., dress, voice, companion's input) for initial assessments.
- Subtle, often unconscious, inferences are made from these clues.
- First impressions show a strong correlation with later, comprehensive evaluations.
Conclusions:
- Initial therapist impressions are formed rapidly and are often accurate.
- These early judgments can reliably predict long-term patient assessments.
- The study highlights the significance of non-verbal and contextual cues in psychotherapy.