LAY BELIEFS ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIC DISORDER - THE RESULTS OF A POPULATION SURVEY IN GERMANY

Citation
Mc. Angermeyer et H. Matschinger, LAY BELIEFS ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIC DISORDER - THE RESULTS OF A POPULATION SURVEY IN GERMANY, Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica, 89, 1994, pp. 39-45
Citations number
7
Categorie Soggetti
Psychiatry,Psychiatry
ISSN journal
0001690X
Volume
89
Year of publication
1994
Supplement
382
Pages
39 - 45
Database
ISI
SICI code
0001-690X(1994)89:<39:LBASD->2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
According to Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action, normative expectations on the part of significant others influence the complian ce of schizophrenic patients. These expectations in turn are determine d for the most part by the beliefs prevailing in society regarding thi s illness and the adequate treatment thereof. Results from a represent ative study conducted in Germany after reunification in 1990 demonstra te the disagreement on essential issues between lay beliefs and psychi atric teaching. Compared with experts in psychiatry, the lay public at taches great importance to current psychosocial influences for the aet iology of schizophrenic disorder. It prefers psychological methods of treatment, maintaining a reserved stance with regard to treatment with psychotropic drugs. Negative consequences for compliance with the lat ter on the part of the patients are to be expected as a result.