The importance of ethnic similarity in the therapist-patient dyad among Surinamese migrants in Dutch mental health care

Abstract

Empirical evidence is equivocal on whether ethnic matching in the therapist–patient dyad is preferred by ethnic minority patients and whether it leads to treatment satisfaction. The aim of this study was to establish the importance of ethnic similarity in mental health care among Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands. A convenience sample of Surinamese out-patients in community mental health care (N 96) was interviewed. Data were analysed using logistic multivariate techniques. The majority of the Surinamese out-patients (in particular recently residing participants) rated ethnic matching as relevant; a considerable minority considered compassion and expertise to be more relevant than ethnic background. Most out-patients reported to be satisŽ ed with the services, especially females and respondents treated by an ethnically similar therapist. Ethnic similarity in the patient–therapist dyad is a strong predictor for satisfaction with mental health care services. However, although it is preferred by many, ethnic matching per se is no must—empathy, expertise and world view sharing are reported to be of considerable importance as well.