Self-perception of therapeutic gain as a function of situational cues

It was hypothesized that a client's self-perception of improvement in therapy is in part a function of situational cues. Clients will see themselves as changing in ways implicitly suggested by such cues. In contrast, an "intrapsychic" view sees change as a function of internal mechanisms. Sixty-five undergraduate Ss self-disclosed on a problem for 10 minutes via intercom to a silent "listener" in another room. Ss were then assigned to one of four "interpersonal cue" conditions, or to a "discharge cue" condition. Discharge Ss rated the amount of emotions expressed by two previous Ss. Interpersonal Ss rated responses purportedly written by their listener to two previous Ss, on the dimensions of warmth and empathy. All Ss then rated their therapeutic gains from self-disclosure. It was hypothesized that discharge Ss would see gain in terms of emotional clarity and relief. In contrast, Ss who perceived their listener as high in warmth and empathy would see gain in terms of self-trust and independence, as predicted by client-centered theory. Results supported the hypotheses for emotional relief and self-trust, but not for independence.