Direct-care workers' attributions of psychopathology in adults with mental retardation

The processes by which direct-care workers identify psychological disorder and need for treatment in adults with mental retardation was examined. A series of vignettes-varying in problem type, client's mental retardation level, and client's gender-was administered to 144 direct-care workers from four types of work settings. Results indicate that although the workers demonstrated an overall ability to accurately identify psychopathology, problem type, and client's mental retardation level were significantly related to workers' judgments regarding the presence of psychological disorder and need for treatment. Worker's setting and client's gender were not significant predictors. Implications for staff training and for increasing the accessibility of mental health services are considered.