Abstract
The importance of image as a determinant of choice has been demonstrated for banks, supermarkets, hospitals and other service organizations, but not in the instance of mental health-care providers. Based on a mail survey of residents of a medium-sized metropolitan area, this study explores the components of image for mental health-care institutions. A causal model is hypothesized and validated, specifying the relationships between preferences towards mental health-care institutions, with image and cost factors as potential determinants. The findings suggest that cost does not play a significant role in the choice of mental health providers, whereas image has a significant impact.
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Arora, R., Cavusgil, S.T. Image and cost factors in the choice of mental health-care organizations: A causal model. JAMS 13, 119–129 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02737203
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02737203