The impact of beliefs about mental health problems and coping on outcome in schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Using the theoretical framework of the Self Regulation Model (SRM), many studies have demonstrated that beliefs individuals hold about their physical health problems are important in predicting health outcomes. This study tested the SRM in the context of a mental health problem, schizophrenia.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty-four people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed on measures of symptom severity, beliefs about their mental health problems, coping and appraisal of outcome at two time points, 6 months apart.


RESULTS
Using multivariate analyses and controlling for severity of symptoms, beliefs about mental health were found to be significant predictors of outcome. Beliefs about greater negative consequences were the strongest and most consistent predictors of a poorer outcome in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the SRM is a promising model for mental health problems and may highlight important areas for development in clinical, and especially psychosocial interventions.
Lobban
F
F
Department of Clinical Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. fiona.lobban@liverpool.ac.uk
Barrowclough
C
C
Jones
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents