Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Committee Members

Jeffery Allen (Committee Member), Kathleen Malloy (Committee Member), Robert Rando (Committee Chair)

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Abstract

The current study examined gender as a potential contributing factor in the increase in psychopathology at college counseling centers. As university and college counseling centers are moving away from a developmental model and toward the medical model, the effect of gender and the increased use of the DSM-IVTR could influence the perception in an increase of psychopathology by mirroring DSM-IVTR base rates. This study attempted to discover if gender influenced therapists to diagnosed depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and adjustment disorders differently amongst the male and female clients. Results indicated that neither male therapists nor female therapists diagnosed depression, substance abuse disorder, and adjustment disorders in male and female clients differently during their intake sessions. However, there were statistically significant findings for female therapists as they were more likely to diagnose female clients with an anxiety disorder compared to male therapists. The finally hypothesis revealed a significant effect between the client's gender on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score assigned. The mean GAF of male clients was 68 compared to female clients with a GAF rating of 66.

Page Count

63

Department or Program

School of Professional Psychology

Year Degree Awarded

2013


Included in

Psychology Commons

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