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A Comparison of Lay-Beliefs about Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

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  • Adrian Furnham
  • Claire Buck

Abstract

The purpose of the two studies was to compare lay beliefs regarding the aetiology and treatment of autism (study 1) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (study 2). It was hypothesised that beliefs about autism would be based primarily on a biomedical theory while beliefs regarding OCD primarily on psychological notions of cause and cure. Parents' interviews were conducted in study 1 and revealed that, as hypothesised, parents hold predominantly biomedical views about autism. Participants ( n = 92) completed both questionnaires that involved rating a range of theories of aetiology and treatment approaches for each disorder. Statistical analysis confirmed that lay beliefs about autism were primarily biomedical and beliefs about OCD were primarily psychological. Multiple regression analyses indicated that a range of individual difference factors (religiousness, interest in mental illness, age and knowledge of autism) predicted beliefs about the importance of some of the five factors derived from factor analysis of belief statements. The relevance of investigating lay beliefs of aetiology and treatment of psychiatric disorders for clinical practice is also highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrian Furnham & Claire Buck, 2003. "A Comparison of Lay-Beliefs about Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 49(4), pages 287-307, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:49:y:2003:i:4:p:287-307
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764003494006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adrian Furnham & Joanna Rees, 1988. "Lay Theories of Schizophrenia," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 34(3), pages 212-220, September.
    2. Victor D. Sanua, 1986. "A Comparative Study of Opinions of U.S.a. and European Professionals On the Etiology of Infantile Autism," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 32(2), pages 16-30, June.
    3. Furnham, Adrian & Thomson, Louise, 1996. "Lay theories of heroin addiction," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 29-40, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Christoph Lauber & Carlos Nordt & Helene Haker & Luis Falcato & Wulf Rössler, 2006. "Community Psychiatry: Results of a Public Opinion Survey," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 52(3), pages 234-242, May.
    2. Adrian Furnham & Elizabeth Anthony, 2010. "Lay Theories of Bipolar Disorder: the Causes, Manifestations and Cures for Perceived Bipolar Disorder," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(3), pages 255-269, May.

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