Therapists’ Multicultural Orientation: Client Perceptions of Cultural Humility, Spiritual/Religious Commitment, and Therapy Outcomes

Abstract

Client perceptions of their therapists’ cultural humility have been associated with positive therapy outcomes; however, it is unclear whether these positive effects are consistent across clients. In particular, this study examines the extent to which clients’ religious commitment moderates the association between their perceptions of their therapists’ cultural humility and therapy outcomes. The sample included 45 clients, all of whom identified their religion/spirituality as the most salient aspect to their cultural identity. The results demonstrated that perceptions of cultural humility were positively associated with therapy outcomes. However, this effect was moderated by clients’ religious commitment. The relationship between perceived cultural humility and outcomes was positive for clients with higher religious commitment, whereas it was not different from zero for clients with lower religious commitment. Implications for research, theory, and practice are offered.