Do written consent forms influence clients' first impressions of therapists?
Students (24 men, 105 women) rated a hypothetical psychologist after reading some combination of (a) a question sheet (Handelsman & Galvin, 1988), (b) a form designed to conform to a new Colorado law, and (c) a general brochure about psychologists. The legal form increased the likelihood of recommending "Dr. Doe" to a friend; when the brochure was included, the form also increased judgments of experience. The question sheet increased recommendations, judgments of likeability and trustworthiness, and (when the brochure was absent) the likelihood of going to Dr. Doe oneself. In a second study, students (44 men, 93 women) received the legal disclosure form; some also received the question sheet. They were told that Dr. Doe had 0, 9, or 19 years of experience. The question sheet increased ratings of trustworthiness and likelihood of going oneself. Therapists with at least 9 years of experience were recommended more.
Handelsman
M M
MM
Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 173364, University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
D032962:Consent Forms / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011584:Psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D035502:Trust