The impact of stereotypes on clinical decision-making patterns among mental health professionals: An empirical demonstration

This project examines the process of clinical decision making among mental health professionals. The purpose is to determine how, and to what extent, subtly stereotypic cognitive and emotional responses may influence clinical decision making. A model of clinical decision making is proposed and pilot tested. The decision making model is based on two assumptions: first, mental health professionals are vulnerable to stereotypes; and second, clinical judgment has an inherent element of subjectivity. The model asserts that cognitive and emotional responses are elicited when behavioral information about a client is presented. Responses result in stereotyped judgments when assumptions are made primarily because of the client\u27s membership in a particular group. Treatment and placement decisions are influenced by these initial responses. Stereotypes, as defined in this study, have their basis in inaccurate underlying assumptions about a client. Basic assumptions are the key ingredients of cognitive schemata. Schemata have a cognitive and an emotional component, both of which influence clinical judgment. When stereotyping occurs, the client is judged on the basis of a particular attribute or label which dictates previously developed expectations about the client\u27s behavior. Other information about the client is minimized. To test the model, participants were asked to view video segments of four clinical interviews. Each participant viewed one control and three experimental conditions. In the experimental conditions, the interview contained a sentence in which the client presented herself as having a particular attribute. After viewing each clinical interview, participants were asked to complete a treatment planning form. The data were analyzed for variation in participants\u27 responses across the four conditions. The model was generally corroborated with evidence that (a) mental health professionals seem to be vulnerable to the effects subtle stereotypes when making treatment and placement decisions, and (b) the process of clinical decision making can at least in part be explained by attributional and emotional responses to clients