The effects of interviewer gender in mental health interviews

Despite indications that gender can affect the disclosure of personal information, few studies examine the effects of interviewer gender in eliciting information pertaining to psychological functioning and mental health. Analysis of data collected at the Los Angeles site of the Epidemiological Catchment Area Study reveals that interviewer gender is significantly related to respondents' reports of psychiatric symptoms. Male and female respondents interviewed by women report more symptoms of depression, substance abuse, and conduct disorders than respondents interviewed by men. It is suggested that female interviewers may create conditions more conducive to disclosure and be perceived as more sympathetic than male interviewers. Although limitations of both data and analysis preclude a definitive conclusion, the findings suggest that interviewer gender may influence disclosure in mental health and related types of interviews.