Therapeugenic factors in psychotherapy: the effect of attitude similarity on therapist credibility and attraction.

Investigated the effect of attitude similarity upon perceived therapist credibility and attraction. Intially, Ss (N = 128) were given an attitude survey on topics of current interest. The second phase of the study had Ss supply an evaluation of a hypothetical therapist based upon a brief description of the therapist and a sample of the therapist's attitudes. The descriptions differed only in terms of the sex of the therapist, while the attitudes were constructed to be either 80% or 20% similar to the survey each S had completed. Results indicate that the therapist with similar attitudes was seen as more qualified, higher in interpersonal attraction, more likeable, and that Ss were more willing to recommend the therapist to a friend as well as seek therapy from the therapist. A significant interaction indicated that male Ss were more affected by the degree of attitude similarity than were female Ss. Implications of the results are discussed.