Jamaican and American adult perspectives on child psychopathology: further exploration of the threshold model

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1992 Feb;60(1):146-9. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.60.1.146.

Abstract

Although several factors determine whether children receive psychological intervention, cultural determinants may be particularly influential. Cultural factors may influence adults' levels of concern over child psychopathology. This possibility was explored by comparing adult attitudes in two socioculturally different societies. Jamaican and American parents, teachers, and clinicians (total N = 382) judged vignettes of two children, one with overcontrolled (e.g., fearfulness) and one with undercontrolled (e.g., fighting) problems. Regression analyses revealed that although years of education affected some adult ratings, culture had the most profound effect.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jamaica
  • Male
  • Social Values*
  • United States