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Conceptualization of psychiatric illness and help-seeking behavior among Chinese

Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry volume 11, pages 97–106 (1987)Cite this article

Abstract

Problem conceptualizations of Chinese psychiatric patients were studied in relation to the patterns of help-seeking and ways of coping. Patients who conceptualized their initial problems in purely psychological terms were more likely to use self-directed psychological coping methods, delay initial professional consultation, and approach mental health professionals. Patients who used only somatic concepts were least likely to approach mental health professionals initially or any time during their previous consultation history, and tended to approach medical resources to cope with their problems. Patients who conceptualized their problems in mixed terms approached professional help early on and reached psychiatric resources soonest. These results provide a clearer perspective to understand the somatization tendency among Chinese patients.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, N. T., Hong Kong

    Fanny M. Cheung

Authors
  1. Fanny M. Cheung
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Cheung, F.M. Conceptualization of psychiatric illness and help-seeking behavior among Chinese. Cult Med Psych 11, 97–106 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055011

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055011

Keywords

  • Problem Conceptualization
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Psychiatric Illness
  • Chinese Patient
  • Psychiatric Patient