The interpersonal orientation in mental health consultation: Toward a model of ethnic variations in consultation

A model of an interpersonal orientation to consultation was proposed in an effort to conceptualize the initial response of Black consultess to the use of consultation. The model describes five stages in the consultee's approach to the entry phase of consultation, along with five corresponding dimensions of behavior evoked by the consultant. The author suggests that Blacks, due to a combination of historical circumstances and cultural and social patterns and values, initially focus more on the interpersonal aspects of the consultation relationship than on the instrumental aspects. Seven “critical incidentrs” were described to illustrate the differences between Black and White consultees in an inner-city school setting. The implications of the proposed model were discussed in terms of its applicability to other interpersonal transactions such as the therapeutic relationship, student-administrator relationships and other professional relationships. Finally, the usefulness of the concept of an interpersonal orientation which is distinct from an instrumental orientation was demonstrated.