Causal Attributions of Schizophrenia by Chinese American Caregivers

Abstract

Causal attributions of schizophrenia by 30 Chinese American caregivers in the Los Angeles area are investigated. Stress-related and biological explanations are most highly endorsed. Interpersonal and familial stress attributions reflect the sociocentric culture and centrality of family. A better match in causal attributions is key to improving interactions between mental health service providers and Chinese American patients and their caregivers. To this end, a stress-vulnerability model is suggested. Higher acculturation is also found to be positively associated with biological attributions of the illness, and supernatural attributions significantly relate to caregivers' objective and total burden. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Key Words:

• Chinese Americans
• caregivers
• causal attributions
• schizophrenia
• burden
• culture