Gender-related therapist attributions in couples therapy: a preliminary multiple case study investigation.
Differential treatment by gender has been an ongoing area of concern and uncertainty both in society at large and in clinical research. In this investigation, therapist attributions over the course of therapy for three different couples were coded and analyzed to determine if cause for positive and negative events was assigned differentially to females and males. Additionally, the stability and globality dimensions of the therapist's attributions about the couples were examined for stereotypical gender-related patterns. Results indicate no gender differences in locus of causal attributions but some gender-related patterns in stability and globality dimensions. Implications for both couples therapy and gender bias in couples research are discussed.
Stabb
S D
SD
Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Texas Woman's University, Denton 76204, USA. F_STABB@venus.twu.edu
Cox
D L
DL
Harber
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015984:Causality; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012737:Sex Factors; D013240:Stereotyping