| Summary: | This study explores the attitudes of clinicians towards women and postulates that these attitudes may be transmitted in the therapeutic relationship with female patients. The rationale for exploring this aspect emanated from two factors: firstly, the view that women patients tend to be treated differently to male patients, a view seemingly supported by literature; secondly, the increasing literature supporting the view that therapy is never "value free" and that values may be influential in determining aspects of therapy. In addition, this study aimed to explore clinician's characteristics which may play a role in determining their attitudes. A theoretical analysis of women's role in society was traced, with some mention made of the contribution by the Feminist Movement and the realities of the South African context. The literature survey further highlighted aspects of therapy with female patients that were relevant for the focus of this study. The primary method of data collection was by means of questionnaires which were circulated to the sample, which comprised 82 state-employed clinicians which included psychiatrists, psychiatric registrars, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. In addition, five individual interviews were conducted with the view to examining therapy with female patients. Findings indicated that clinicians held a continuum of attitudes to women ranging from traditional to liberal. Clinicians felt that women should feel free to pursue a career, but should remain at home for a time after the birth of a baby. Both the literature and the empirical study indicated that there were differences in the therapeutic encounter between male and female patients. Implications for therapy are highlighted: these include recommendations that clinicians need to adopt a non-judgemental, objective stance, as well as a constant awareness of their own value base as it could influence and permeate the therapeutic relationship. It is recommended that training and supervision need to emphasise the importance of these aspects and it is suggested that further study be undertaken in this regard.
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