Client Self-Presentations at Intake

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