Self care--who does best?
A clinically evaluated study to assess the benefits of a self care programme in general practice is described. There was significant improvement in psychiatric morbidity at the 6-month follow up, which was maintained at one year. The capacity of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales to predict long term clinical improvement was demonstrated, suggesting that a predominantly internal control of reinforcement appears to be crucial to the successful adoption of self care practices. The clinical and educational benefits of such programmes in dealing with a wide range of psychophysical problems in primary care is discussed.
McLean
J
J
Department of General Practice, St Marys Hospital Medical School, Lisson Grove Health Centre, London, England.
Pietroni
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012923:Social Class