Publication Date

1987

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Heath, Anthony

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Human and Family Resources

LCSH

Deception; Psychotherapy--Moral and ethical aspects; Paradox--Therapeutic use

Abstract

Some therapists, Christians in particular,express a reluctance to use therapeutic paradox in their practices due to its seemingly deceptive nature. This study obtained brief verbal responses from members of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy who use paradox in their practices. They responded with ways that they have found to minimize deception in therapeutic paradox. The responses were categorized, and their relationship with the respondents' religious affiliation and self-perceived degree of religiosity were examined. Being Christian and being highly religious appeared to be strongly related to a preference to take some specific action to minimize deception at the time of the paradoxical intervention, as opposed to those who first examine their own thoughts and motives and then trust that their actions will not lead to deception. Specific actions seemed to be more implicit indications to clients that the intervention was different from normal therapeutic interaction. However, therapists who considered themselves highly religious seemed to be more explicit with clients.

Comments

Bibliography: pages [42]-45.

Extent

61 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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