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

Abstract

This research investigated if interpersonal expectancies in a psychotherapeutic context were mediated through nonverbal behavior. Beginning (male) therapists served as interviewers and interacted with (male) subjects who were introduced as clients (who were treated for psychological problems) or normal students. It was hypothesized that the therapists would have a more negative attitude toward the supposed clients than toward the nonclients and show more arm position symmetry and less forward lean toward the supposed clients. The interviewees were predicted to show more ah-filled pauses, speech disturbances, and less looking at the interviewers in the client condition than in the nonclient condition. The results demonstrated that therapists had more negative expectancies toward supposed clients than toward nonclients. Support was shown for the hypothesis that more arm position symmetry would be shown in the client condition than in the nonclient condition. The results also indicated that supposed clients used more ah-filled pauses and speech disturbances than nonclients. The therapists used this information when they attributed more discomfort to the supposed clients. It is suggested that the findings of this study have implications for understanding the process of self-fulfilling prophecy in a therapeutic context.