Relationships between Ethnicity, Conceptions of Mental Illness, and Attitudes Associated with Seeking Psychological Help

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between ethnicity, conceptions of mental illness, and attitudes associated with seeking psychological help among school teachers. It was hypothesized that these variables are related and the relationships ate independent of other demographic variables. Participants were 513 school teachers (321 whites and 192 blacks). Each completed the Nunnally Conception of Mental Illness Questionnaire, the Fischer and Turner Pro-Con Attitude Scale, vignettes that elicited opinions on certain counseling issues, and a demographic data sheet. Analyses indicated significant differences between blacks and whites in their conceptions of mental illness; blacks' responses were more stereotypic, and whites' were closer to those of mental health professionals. Both blacks and whites had similar positive attitudes toward seeking psychological help. However, significantly more whites than blacks had actually been in therapy. Blacks showed more positive attitudes than whites toward mixed-race dyads in counseling but showed more negative attitudes concerning the efficacy of psychological treatment for certain problems. Conception of mental illness was significantly related to attitudes associated with seeking psychological help. Implications for research to address mental health problems of blacks is discussed.