Relationship of Stereotypic Beliefs About Physicians to Health Care-Relevant Behaviors and Cognitions Among African American Women

A great deal of basic social psychological research has demonstrated that stereotypes affect judgments, behaviors, and decisions with respect to individual group members. However, almost no research has applied social psychological theories of stereotypes to understanding health behavior. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between stereotypic beliefs about physicians and health care-relevant behaviors and cognitions. Fifty-nine African American women were recruited from community venues to complete self-report, anonymous questionnaires measuring beliefs about physicians and health care utilization, satisfaction, and intentions. Participants who perceived physicians positively overall, and as competent and warm, reported greater health care utilization and higher satisfaction with their current health care, controlling for perceived general health status. These results suggest that interpersonal social cognitive expectancies play a role in health care-related behaviors and cognitions.