A comparison of perceptions of problematic behavior by six minority groups and mental health professionals

This study compared the perceptions of problematic behavior and the suggested management of those behaviors by six minority groups and mental health professionals. Minority respondents (N = 159) included Chinese-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Filipino-Americans, Native-Americans, Black-Americans, and Appalachians. Mental health professional respondents (N = 68) were from Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and California. All respondents were interviewed using a structured interview schedule. Groups were compared on responses to 10 vignettes. There were significant differences between minority and mental health professional groups, both in the labels placed on problematic behaviors and in the suggested management of the behaviors. The relationship of sample variables to response revealed that minority group status was the strongest descriptor of group response.