Clinical Sociology Review

Article Title

Interviewer Attitudes about the Mentally Ill

Authors

Rosalind J. Dworkin, Institute for Child and Family Services
Anthony Gary Dworkin, University of Houston

Abstract

Interviewer attitudes and expectations about respondents are known to influence data quality. When respondents are from deviant groups, such as the mentally ill, special problems could develop. Questionnaires were completed by 188 individuals from a potential pool of employable interviewers. Preferences for interviewing targets and locations, prior experience, and perceived dangerousness of the mentally ill were measured. The mentally ill are among the least preferred targets. Locations implying higher levels of control and cooperation were desired. Using a path analysis, preference for interviewing the mentally ill was most affected by diversity of prior contact and the perception of dangerousness.

Recommended Citation

Dworkin, Rosalind J. and Dworkin, Anthony Gary (1994) "Interviewer Attitudes about the Mentally Ill," Clinical Sociology Review: Vol. 12: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/csr/vol12/iss1/6