University Student Expectations of Confidentiality when Disclosing Information to their Professors


  •  Gregory E. Harris    
  •  Stephanie Dalton    

Abstract

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.



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