Effects of same-sex and opposite-sex models of self-disclosure in a counseling analogy

The paper is a study of the effectiveness of videotape models used to stimulate self-disclosure among subjects in a counseling analogy. In particular, it examines the relative effectiveness of same-sex and opposite-sex models among male and female subjects. A secondary purpose is to discuss the usefulness of such modeling as a precounseling treatment. Twenty-four male and 24 female university students viewed one of four videotape models: same-sex, low-disclosing; same-sex, high-disclosing; opposite-sex, low-disclosing; or opposite-sex, high-disclosing. The subjects were then .v asked to discuss the three topics which were discussed by the models; school life, family life, and social life. Their discussions were scored in three 4-minute periods for number of self-disclosing statements. Subjects also rated the models on four scales: intimacy, masculinity, liking, and psychological adjustment. Modeling high self-disclosure was seen to be effective in stimulating subjects to make more self-disclosing statements in their own discussions. Opposite-sex models of high self-disclosure were more effective than were same-sex models for both male and female subjects. Overall, female subjects self-disclosed more than did males. Erratic rates of self- disclosure over time were observed among subjects who viewed a highly self-disclosing model. Several unpredicted but statistically significant results were obtained, particularly from analyses of variance of the ratings subjects made of the models. These results tended to suggest some evidence of sex-role stereotyping of the models' self-disclosing behavior. The validity of some of the findings from the study was also questioned in the light of these unpredicted results. Suggestion is made for further study; in particular, replication of the study with controls on certain variables is recommended. The paper includes a discussion of the applicability of videotape modeling of self-disclosure as a precounseling treatment. While there are indications that such modeling is effective in an experimental setting, further study of its refinements is suggested. Finally, consideration is given to the ethical implications of such precounseling treatments, particularly for the existential or non-directive counselor.Education, Faculty ofGraduat