Mature adults' attitudes to mental health service utilisation
Date
2010
Authors
Pettigrew, Simone
Donovan, Robert J
Pescud, Melanie
Boldy, Duncan
Newton, Robert
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Psychological Society
Abstract
This qualitative study examined mature adults' attitudes to mental health services, in order to improve service utilisation among members of this group. Twenty individual and 12 focus group interviews were conducted with 111 West Australians aged ≥ 40 years living in urban and regional areas. The findings indicate that mature individuals may be receptive to information that assists them in differentiating the symptoms of ageing and mental illness and empowers them to make appropriate help-seeking decisions. Perceived stigma and an aversion to medication were identified as barriers preventing individuals from acknowledging and addressing mental illness. A model of mature adults' intentions to utilise mental health services is proposed.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: Ageing; Help-seeking; Medication; Qualitative methods; Service utilisation; Simone; Stigma
Citation
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Source
Australian Psychologist
Type
Journal article
Book Title
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Access Statement
License Rights
Restricted until
2099-12-31