Date of Conferral

2-8-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Mark Arcuri

Abstract

The preferences of Orthodox Jews when choosing a therapist are important to understand, as they can inform practice for individuals, clinics, and referral agencies. The purpose of this study was to determine the preferences for gender-matched therapists, Orthodox Jewish therapists, and specific therapist characteristics among Orthodox Jews. The study was based on Bordin’s working alliance model of psychotherapy, which contends that a strong working alliance is necessary for effective psychotherapy. The research questions were used to explore whether Orthodox Jewish men and women differed in their preferences for gender-matched or Orthodox Jewish therapists, whether religiosity predicted a preference for gender-matched or Orthodox Jewish therapists, and which therapist characteristics Orthodox Jews rank as most important. This study included a quantitative cross-sectional self-report survey, and a chi-square test for independence to examine these preferences. Seventy percent of Orthodox Jews preferred a gender-matched therapist, and 74% of Orthodox Jews preferred an Orthodox Jewish therapist. No significant difference was found between men and women in the strength of these preferences. Religiosity predicted a preference for an Orthodox Jewish therapist and predicted a preference for gender-matched therapists for women, but not men. The most preferred therapist characteristics were nonjudgmental, experienced, trustworthy, good communication skills, and sensitive to my culture. Future research may focus on the reasons for these preferences, as well as preferences for specific modalities. The results can promote positive social change by helping individuals, clinics, and referral agencies to better accommodate their patients’ preferences.

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