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Social status determinants of control in individuals' accounts of their mental illness

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  • Maher, Erin J.
  • Kroska, Amy

Abstract

We examine the determinants of patients' accounts of their own mental illness. In particular, we examine the factors that affect the likelihood of attributing one's own mental illness to controllable factors rather than non-controllable factors. Our quantitative measure of attributional control is derived from the coding of in-depth interviews with people with severe mental illness seeking treatment for the first time (N=144). We find that those who occupy positions of social disadvantage (particularly African-American males and those who receive public assistance) are less likely to attribute their illness to controllable sources, suggesting that personal mental illness attributions are systematically related to a person's social location. We outline the significance of these findings for research on the psychological consequences of mental illness attributions.

Suggested Citation

  • Maher, Erin J. & Kroska, Amy, 2002. "Social status determinants of control in individuals' accounts of their mental illness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(6), pages 949-961, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:55:y:2002:i:6:p:949-961
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    Cited by:

    1. Marta Elliott & Robyn Maitoza & Erik Schwinger, 2012. "Subjective accounts of the causes of mental illness in the USA," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(6), pages 562-567, November.
    2. Moses, Tally, 2009. "Self-labeling and its effects among adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(3), pages 570-578, February.

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