The relationship between demographic factors and attitudes toward mental health services

J Community Psychol. 1987 Apr;15(2):275-84. doi: 10.1002/1520-6629(198704)15:2<275::aid-jcop2290150216>3.0.co;2-j.

Abstract

Considerable effort has been exerted in recent years toward educating the public concerning mental illness and the efficacy of various treatment modalities. Most previous studies of attitudes have focused solely on attitudes toward the mentally ill. In this study we investigated attitudes toward mental health services and found that most people are positively disposed toward the use of these services. Attitudes toward the use of mental health services were affected by the age, sex, race, education, and income of the subjects. In general, differences of attitude lie in the direction that would tend to inhibit utilization among those most at risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Catchment Area, Health
  • Connecticut
  • Data Collection
  • Demography*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Statistics as Topic