Suggests that social workers develop a professional approach that includes the treatment of lesbian and gay clients within the context of the family. Discusses self disclosure, legal issues, family relationships, and friendship networks. (JAC)

Investigated the influence of target personality characteristics on self-disclosure. Subjects (71 male and 73 female students) described the personality of the persons to whom they disclose the most and least, as well as their own personality. Results showed that people prefer to disclose to individuals similar to themselves. (BH)

Investigated how individuals perceive others who systematically vary in both level of disclosure and disclosure flexibility. Subjects were 52 students rated high or low in self-disclosure and disclosure flexibility. Found a similarity effect for disclosure flexibility and highest ratings for medium-high disclosure and high disclosure flexibility…

The Law section of the proceedings contains the following 6 selected papers: "Is the Public Interest Meaningless? Levels of Meaning and Ambiguity in the Public Interest Standard" (Philip M. Napoli); "An 'Unholy Alliance': The Law of Media Ride-Alongs" (Karen M. Markin); "Is Internet Service Provider Immunity Growing? An…

Examines controversies over the control of scientific information, citing cases about and discussing issues concerning professional control, confidentiality, competition, and national security. Addresses policy changes and the difficulties of establishing principles for control. (DC)

Evaluated the short-term and longer-term effectiveness of marriage encounter in increasing self-reported indices of couple self-disclosure, trust, and marital satisfaction. Couples (N=33) were assessed before and after the Marriage Encounter Training Program and in a follow-up. Results indicated a significant increase in trust and marital…

Studied 72 college students to determine effects of subject sex and situational factors on affective self-disclosure with acquaintances. Feeling, role, and sex of subject were contextual variables influencing expression of feelings. Responding with positive feelings is the optimal situational context for expression of feelings to acquaintances.…

Subjects viewed a videotaped counseling session. Subjects were presented a counselor exhibiting no disclosure, interpersonal disclosure, or intrapersonal disclosure. Results reveal that disclosing counselors are evaluated significantly more favorably than counselors who do not self-disclose. There is no evidence that disclosing counselors are…

Assessed effects of counselor sex, experience, and self-disclosure level on perceived expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness. Results indicated expert counselors were rated more expert than nonexpert. Female experts were rated more expert than female nonexperts, but male experts and nonexperts did not differ. High-disclosing counselors…

Discusses some of the problems faced when the constraints of confidentiality conflict with one's perceived duty to make the truth known to those whose interests may be affected. Suggests a "due process of moral decision" when such a choice is faced. (JMF)

The use of family therapy is increasing in treatment of drug abuse, but in terms of federal policy the family is often ignored. The family therapist must be aware of legal considerations regarding release of information and confidentiality. (JAC)

In tests of three models of self-disclosure and satisfaction in marriage, only the linear model achieved substantial support. Communication about relatively personal and intimate matters constitutes an important step in the process of need and goal fulfillment in marriage. (Author)

Describes a group orientation program to transmit information and initiate a counseling relationship with persons newly placed on probation or parole. The group orientation process allowed reluctant clients to be guided into a helping relationship. Of 130 persons, 81 were subsequently transferred to reduced supervision. (Author)

Investigates the role of behavioral expectations in open communication. Suggests that personal expectations of openness are strongly related to general predispositions to disclose and to exhibit open style, to expectations of others' open behavior, and to self-ratings of open behavior. Discusses implications of considering personal expectations as…

Discusses the concept of confidentiality as it relates to therapeutic relationships on the college campus. Maintains that confidentiality must not be violated short of instances where a life is at stake. Roles of therapist and consultant are examined. Implications for policy are discussed. (Author)