Meta-analyses of ethnic match as a predictor of dropout, utilization, and level of functioning

Abstract

Meta-analyses were performed on 7 studies of ethnic match and psychotherapy. From 13 comparisons of ethnic match and dropout, a small overall effect size was found (r = .03). From 16 comparisons of ethnic match and number of sessions attended, a small overall effect size was found (r = .04). Effect sizes for dropout and utilization were heterogeneous, with ethnic minority groups having larger effect sizes than Caucasian Americans. From 9 comparisons of ethnic match and termination Global Assessment Score, a negligible overall effect size was found (r = .01). The small dropout and utilization effect sizes indicate that ethnic match is not a significant clinical predictor of decreasing dropout after the first session or increasing number of sessions attended.