Self-disclosure in relation to psychotherapist expertise and ethnicity

The self-disclosure styles of Mexican Americans and their possible role in the limited participation of Mexican Americans in mental health services were explored. Ninety-four Mexican American and 93 Anglo American junior college students listened to one of four therapist introductions, then responded to questionnaires designed to measure self disclosure and self acceptance. Both groups indicated a substantial willingness to disclose about themselves to therapists. Mexican Americans proved lower in self-disclosure scores than Anglo Americans. Mexican Americans were found to disclose less to Mexican American therapists than did Anglo Americans to Anglo American therapists. Sex differences in self-disclosure were negligible. Both Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans scored in the direction of high self-acceptance. The findings held for comparable socioeconomic levels.