DID YOU KNOW...


Although professional interpreters appear to function successfully
with impartiality and neutrality in many settings (e.g., classrooms,
business meetings), the therapeutic setting appears to be unique in
terms of greater emotional import.

In addition to the intended content matter and emotional message
being interpreted or transmitted through a sign language interpreter
from the therapist, the deaf recipient perceives extraneous nonverbal
behavioral stimuli from both the therapist and the interpreter.

However, because of the consistent eye contact that must be
maintained between a deaf recipient and a sign language interpreter,
an additive effect of mood state from both the therapist and the
interpreter occurred, with interpreter mood having a greater impact.

As a result, a "filtering" effect was seen: A neutral/slightly
cheerful interpreter appeared to act as a "buffer" against the
nonverbal source of stimuli presented by a despondent therapist.

Likewise, a despondent interpreter induced significant negative mood
changes in the deaf recipient despite the presentation of
neutral/slightly cheerful stimuli or behavioral cues from the
therapist.


Impact of Sign Language Interpreter and Therapist Moods on Deaf
Recipient Mood
Julianne Gold Brunson and P. Scott Lawrence
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
2002
American Psychological Association, Inc.