Negative attitudes, nonverbal behavior and self-fulfilling prophecy in simulated therapy interviews

Results of a preliminary study with 26 beginning psychotherapists in a client condition and 36 in a general condition showed that beginning therapists had a more negative attitude toward clients than toward people in general. This finding was further investigated to determine whether interpersonal expectancies in a psychotherapeutic context were mediated through nonverbal behavior. 18 beginning male therapists served as interviewers and interacted with 18 male psychology students who were introduced as clients or normal students. Results demonstrate negative attitudes of therapists toward clients, including the expression of these attitudes in nonverbal behavior. Negative attitudes of beginning therapists were apparently expressed in their arm position symmetry and resulted in discomfort for Ss, who were, without their knowledge, introduced as clients. Discomfort was expressed in the use of ah-filled pauses and speech disturbances by the client.