University Student Expectations of Confidentiality When Disclosing Information to Their Professors

Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, OH M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/hes

Y

8

Foreign Countries; College Students; Expectation; Confidentiality; Disclosure; College Faculty; Psychology; Comparative Analysis; Predictor Variables; Teacher Student Relationship; Measures (Individuals); Student Surveys; Demography

1925-4741

The purpose of this study was to explore university students' expectations of confidentiality when they make disclosures to their university professors. A secondary purpose was to consider if students have a higher expectation of confidentiality when talking with Psychology professors versus professors in other disciplines. Students were asked to complete online survey scenarios assessing their expectations for confidentiality during various student-professor exchanges. Independent variables included professor discipline and disclosure location. Results suggested that students maintain a high degree of confidentiality expectations when making disclosures to their professors, especially when these disclosures happen in the professor's office. Implications for teaching and future research are discussed.

As Provided

23

2015

EJ1076376