Gender-role stereotypes and interpersonal behavior - How addicted inpatients view their ideal male and female therapist

This study focuses pn the influences of self-perceived interpersonal behavi or of addicted inpatients (n = 107) on the stereotypes of their ideal male and female therapist. Based on the interpersonal model of personality patie nts were asked to describe their ideal male and female therapist. Perceptio ns of interpersonal behavior of the ideal therapist are determined by the s elf-perceived interpersonal behavior of the patients rather than by their g ender. Ideal therapists are described as managerial-autocratic and sociable -extravert, which is in almost perfect accordance with the self-perceptions of therapists. Although most of the patients prefer a female therapist, th e interpersonal behavior of a male or a female therapist does not differ si gnificantly. The results are discussed from the viewpoint that mutual expec tations and preferences between patients and therapists are thought to be o f crucial importance for the outcome of therapy. In the process of matching patients and therapists, these expectations should not only be assessed, b ut also used to improve the final matching. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.