The Impact of Race on the Use of Physical Restraint with Adolescent Males with Behavioral Disabilities: An Initial Study

Abstract

This initial, exploratory study examined the role of racial bias in the use of physical restraint with adolescents with behavioral disabilities. Thirteen months of critical incident data from a residential, rehabilitation counseling agency serving adolescent males was examined to compare the number of physical restraints involving black and white clients and black and white staff. Results indicated the presence of racial bias in that black clients were restrained significantly more often than white clients. Implications for rehabilitation counselors and directions for future research are discussed.