Personality and life style factors in utilization of mental health services.

Abstract

This study examined differences between users and nonusers of mental health services in an inner city community in terms of measures of personality and life style. Subjects were 30 users randomly selected from a list of self-referred outpatients at a neighborhood clinic and 30 nonusers from the same community. Measures of personality and life style were based on the Bipolar Psychological Inventory and the Attitudes, Interests and Opinions Life Style Inventory. Significant differences were found for 4 of the 15 personality measures and 2 of the 3 life style dimensions. Users were more dependent, unmotivated and socially withdrawn, while nonusers showed more tendency toward social deviancy and racial pride. Both groups scored relatively high on neurotic and psychopathic measures including defensiveness, psychic pain, impulsiveness and problem index (potential for psychotic reactions). It was concluded that both differences and similarities between users and nonusers should be given greater attention in planning to meet mental health needs of inner city residents.