Cultural bases of images of causation in psychological disorder: a Colombian survey.
This study examines the influence of participation in differing socio-cultural contexts on beliefs about the causes of psychological disorder. Data were obtained through interviews with 794 laymen and 333 health workers, all residing in a single Colombian city. Results indicate an emphasis on organic causes among lay respondents and nearly equal emphasis on organic and social causes among medical-paramedical personnel. Futher variations are evident, between as well as within the two samples, when background characteristics are considered. Differences in these images of causation are explained in terms of the socio-cultural organization of Colombian society as well as that of the medical occupational subculture.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003105:Colombia; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006281:Health Occupations; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D012923:Social Class