Perceptions of professional competence: cross-disciplinary ratings of psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses rated members of the first three disciplines on effectiveness of intervention for six hypothetical clients representing a range of mental health problems. Results revealed within-group bias, with perceptions that professionals sharing raters' own professional affiliation would be more helpful, expert, and warm, as well as the preferred recipient of referrals. Clinical social workers were rated highest on warmth by all raters but lowest on referral intent by raters from other disciplines.