Sex differences in preferences for an ideal therapist

Accusations of sex bias in the mental health field have been leveled at clinicians without consideration of possible differential demands made by male and female patients. The present study looks at whether males and females are looking for the same qualities in a therapist. Thirty-six males and 46 female subjects rated their ideal psychotherapist on the Adjective Check List. Men and women differed on 14 out of the 19 dimensions rated. Furthermore, women when compared to men consistently indicated a greater preference for a therapist who would fit the masculine stereotypic sex-role (i.e., more confident, controlled, dominating, enduring, orderly, autonomous, and aggressive). Men's therapist preferences were consistently more in line with the feminine stereotypic sex role (i.e., more labile, nurturant, affiliatory, changeable, succorant, abasing, and deferent). This study raises a new factor in the therapy-sexism debates; possible biases arising from the differential therapy relationship demands of men and women.