Racial triangulation and shifting standards in mental health assessments

Abstract

This study investigated the presence of racial bias in mental health assessments among White trainees and clinicians using the shifting standards paradigm (Biernat, 2003) and the racial triangulation framework (Kim, 1999). A total of 181 White participants viewed one of three case vignettes, all of which were identical except for the race of a fictitious client named Karl. Participants completed a clinical impressions inventory (Gushue, 2004) and the internal causality subscale from the Causation Dimension Scale (Russell, 1982). Results indicated differences in examiner ratings based on Karl's race. Black Karl was rated as significantly less symptomatic, compared to White or East Asian Karl, consistent with the shifting standards paradigm (Biernat, 2003; Gushue, 2004). No difference was found in symptom severity ratings between White Karl and East Asian Karl. Symptoms were also more likely to be attributed to internal factors with Black Karl than with White or East Asian Karl.