Abstract
Two hundred sixty-four inner-city adolescent males undergoing an evaluation in an outpatient clinic for sex offenders were questioned as to their preference and comfort in talking about sex with a male versus a female interviewer. Overall these adolescents were significantly more comfortable with a female interviewer, p < .05. Of the 135 nonabused subjects, 53% did not express a preference. However, those adolescents who themselves had been victims of sexual and/or physical abuse (49%) preferred a female interviewer, p < .02. Those individuals victimized by males showed the greatest preference for female interviewers, although those abused by females also preferred a female interviewer. Results indicate that self-disclosure about sexual material may be facilitated when interviewers of both genders are available.
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