Is there racial bias in clinicians' perceptions of the dangerousness of psychiatric patients? A review of the literature

Abstract

The evidence for the assertion that racial stereotyping influences mental health professionals perceptions of the dangerousness of psychiatric patients is examined in this review. As there is very little literature which directly examines this, the review draws on studies examining the relationship between race and the use of coercion within the mental health system. The use of compulsory admission to hospital in Britain, and the use of seclusion and restraint in the US are examined. Alternative explanations of the over-representation of black men in the use of these procedures are discussed and the evidence of each explanation evaluated. The review concludes that there is some evidence in support of the assertion; that racial bias in perceptions of dangerousness influences patient management.