Perceptions of alleged sexual assault during therapy

This study investigated how people perceive the relevance of selected factors in situations of alleged sexual assault during therapy. We focused on the extent to which the presence or absence of hypnosis, the use of force, and client involvement influenced participants' perceptions of constructed cases of sexual assault. Sixty-four individuals read vignettes in which the presence or absence of these factors was manipulated, and they made ratings and judgments about the responsibility, control, and guilt of both therapist and client. When hypnosis was used, participants perceived the client as less responsible and having less control, and the therapist as more responsible. The presence of force led participants to perceive the client as being less responsible for the events; however, when the client was involved in the sexual activity she was perceived as being more responsible and as having more control. These findings are discussed in terms of the general public's perceptions and beliefs about hypnosis and sexual assault, as well as their views of the nature of a therapeutic relationship and the responsibilities of a therapist.