Asian versus western differences in satisfaction with western medical care: The mediational effects of illness attributions

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Abstract
This study examined Asian versus Western students' satisfaction with Western medical care. and the extent to which differences in satisfaction are mediated by culture-specific “illness models”. Seventy-nine Westem (largely Canadian-born; 27 males, 53 females) and 63 Asian (first and second generation immigrants; 31 males. 32 females) undergraduates completed measures assessing satisfaction with Western medical care and views about causes of illness. Results were consistent with predictions. Asian participants were less satisfied with the health care they had resaved in Canada, and believed more strongly in non–biological causes of illness (i.e., “balance” and supernatural and interpersonal influences) than did Western participants. Moreover. illness beliefs Partly mediated the group differences in satisfaction with Western medical care.