THERAPEUTIC ATTRACTION AS A FUNCTION OF THERAPIST ATTIRE AND OFFICE FURNISHINGS

82 undergraduates viewed a simulated therapy segment presented on 1 of 4 videotapes identical except for contextual formality. Checks confirmed the validity of the 4 conditions created by varying the traditionalism of the therapist's attire and office. Ratings of attraction were independent of therapist attire, reinforcing findings of interview analogs that did not include a manipulation check or a professional therapist. Ss' impressions were also largely unaffected by the office arrangements, reaffirming one analog outcome and clarifying a discrepant finding from a possible unrepresentative analog. Data refute formulations that assign therapist accoutrements a major role in priming nonspecific psychotherapeutic effects. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.