Undergraduate students evaluated "a typical person,""a typical person seeking counseling,""a client seeking counseling," or "a patient seeking counseling." Students evaluated a typical person more positively than the other target groups. Counselors may need to educate the public to offset the negative stereotypes surrounding counseling. (Author)

A study that measured 65 teachers' attitudes toward the labels "gifted,""normal,""physically handicapped,""mentally retarded,""learning disabled," and "emotionally disturbed" revealed that the first three labels are significantly more positive than the last three, which suggest negative stereotypes. (Author/RL)

Students evaluated "a typical person,""a patient seeking counseling," or "a client seeking counseling.""A typical person" was evaluated positively and "patient seeking counseling" was evaluated negatively, regardless of whether the students had previously sought counseling. Students who had sought counseling evaluated "a client seeking counseling"…

Examines the implied meanings of labels. Client, patient, and typical person were compared using semantic differential-type scales and the Personal Attribute Inventory. Although client and patient were each evaluated more negatively than was typical person, no significant differences were found between client and patient. (Author/BEF)