An Initial Examination of Mental Healthcare Providers’ Big 5 Personality and Their Preferences for Clients

Compared to clients’ personality and perspectives in psychotherapy (e.g., preferences), less research characterizes mental healthcare providers (i.e., those who have provided direct services). Prior work finds that provider configurations are unique relative other professions, of clients differ as a function their own client’s personality. The current study expands this literature by utilizing trait profile-level analyses sample 176 (largely US-based). Profile-level findings demonstrated most were high agreeableness conscientiousness. When compared normative sample, higher trait-level neuroticism lower Providers’ preferences regarding the potential also explored, these indicated some prefer client with traits similar own. At profile level, preferred had (1) conscientiousness low or (2) average across traits. This preliminary examination can stimulate impact providers’ individual differences on psychotherapy.