Training in cultural schemas: an antidote to unintentional racism in clinical practice

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2000 Jan;70(1):65-72. doi: 10.1037/h0087771.

Abstract

Although recent attempts have been made to bolster multicultural training, problems remain in defining effective training and providing equitable service delivery to minority consumers. This article argues that cultural schema is a useful construct for helping clinicians identify, organize, interpret, and integrate cultural data into clinical practice. Further, it is proposed that training in the use of cultural schemas will serve to also reduce the prevalence of unintentional racism in the mental health field.

MeSH terms

  • Consumer Behavior
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / standards*
  • Prejudice*
  • Psychiatry / education