Gender Differences in the Use of Language Switching and the Detachment Effect in Therapy with Latino/Latina Spanish/English Bilingual Clients
Gender Differences in the Use of Language Switching and the Detachment Effect in Therapy with Latino/Latina Spanish/English Bilingual Clients
Loading...
Issue Date
2001
Authors
Alicea, Evelyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
There is a large body of research in Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic literature, which supports the notion that code switching (within conversation, switching from one language or dialect to another) is neither random nor arbitrary and signifies specific meaning(s) in specific contexts. Unfortunately, the literature on language switching in psychotherapy with Latino/Latina, Spanish/ English bilingual therapists and Latino/Latina, Spanish/English bilingual clients has not been explored to the extent that Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics have. Much ofthe literature does not explore gender differences in code switching and the detachment effect. The literature has explored the detachment effect that results from the need to revert to one's second (nonnative) language when expressing emotionally charged subjects in therapy. Still the literature is under-developed. Within the Unites States, bilingual clients seeking psychological services are often members of underserved groups (e.g. immigrants from Latin American countries). Thorough understanding ofthe significance of language switching for such populations may provide the tools to improved services. This study was designed to explore meaning(s) of such language switching among Latino/Latina, Spanish/English bilinguals. Sixty-six Latino/Latina, Spanish/English bilingual therapists who serve a client population with similar language and cultural backgrounds as themselves completed a 49-question paper and pencil survey. No significant differences were expected between males and females and their use of language switching and the detachment effect. It was hypothesized that participants who treat Latino/Latina, Spanish/English bilingual clients lack awareness of the consequences/meaning(s) of language switching and the detachment effect in the psychotherapeutic encounter. The results suggest that therapists were more familiar with language switching than was hypothesized. The results suggest that therapists were no more familiar than unfamiliar with the detachment effect. The results suggest gender differences in language switching with females switching more than males.