Examining Counselor Trainees’ Clinical Impressions of Pornography Use: Implications for Couple and Family Counselors

Through a replication study of Gushue et al. and a fictional case example exploring pornography use, implicit bias against male sexual minority clients was explored among counselors-in-training. Participants ( n  = 65) were recruited from master's-level counselor training programs to explore the differences in case conceptualization of a male client of different sexual orientations and expressions (straight, gay, bisexual, kink) seeking counseling at his partner's request following pornography use. Results indicated that participants rated “straight” Jaime as significantly more impaired and attributed his concerns more strongly to internal factors compared to the sexual minority conditions. The largest difference occurred between “straight Jaime “and “kink Jaime,” despite both being identified as heterosexual men. Additionally, participant age and the sexual orientation of the fictional client were also significantly associated with participants’ perceptions of the case. Implications for couples and family counselors are provided.