Client Self-Presentations at Intake
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1996
Abstract
Self-presentations to a counselor were explored with both nonclinical and clinical samples. In Experiment 1, university students (N = 108) completed intake forms that would be anonymous or would be reviewed by a counselor or a peer. Participants in the counselor condition reported less symptomatology and higher self-esteem than did those in the anonymous condition. In Experiment 2, clients seeking counseling at a hospital (N = 92) completed intake forms that would be anonymous or would be reviewed by either a counselor or a counselor who requested that they reveal their innermost thoughts. There were no differences in reported levels of well-being across the 3 conditions; however, clients in the counselor conditions had higher social desirability scores than did those in the anonymous condition. Thus, although clients may be willing to present themselves as low in well-being to their counselor, they may try to look like good people.
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Anita E.; Kahn, Jeffrey H.; and Coulter, Russell G., "Client Self-Presentations at Intake" (1996). Faculty Publications – Psychology. 15.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/fppsych/15
Comments
This article was originally published as Kelly, A. E., Kahn, J. H., & Coulter, R. (1996). Client self-presentations at intake. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 43(3), 300–309. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.43.3.300.