LAY THEORIES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PERCEPTIONS OF THERAPISTS - A REPLICATION AND EXTENSION OF FURNHAM AND WARDLEY

This study examined laypersons' perceptions of psychotherapy, the expe rience of psychotherapy clients, and therapist credibility. Most of Fu rnham and Wardley's recent findings of positive and realistic lay view s on psychotherapy and therapists were replicated. Age, sex, and psych ological experience mediated some beliefs about therapy and clients' e xperiences. Although positive views were associated with higher rating s on some aspects of therapist credibility, only the modality of the t herapy (behavior vs. client-centered vs. rational-emotive individual t herapy) influenced perceptions of overall credibility. Neither the fee charged nor the participant's sex had any effect on perceptions of th erapist credibility.