The Effects of Religion and Locus of Control on Perception of Mental Illness

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of religion and locus of control on perception of mental illness. Specifically, the study explored the relationship between religiosity and perception of mental illness, differences in perception by internals and externals, the effect of knowledge on perception of mental illness and the interactive effect of religiosity and locus of control on perception of mental illness. Data were collected from 200 participants in the Volta Region of Ghana. Three hypotheses were tested in the study using a battery of tests. It was observed that people with internal locus of control perceive mental patients positively than those with external locus of control. A significant interactive effect between religiosity and locus of control on perception of mental illness was observed. Religiosity significantly relates to perception of mental illness. The results and implications are discussed for further studies.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Influence of Psychosocial Factors

“…The fact that these patients perceive the disease as threatening implies a worsening of their emotional and psychological state, which contributes to an increase in stress levels and an increased use of passive coping styles. The latter, in turn, contribute to an increase in the level of perceived stress [ 36 , 37 ]. Our results show that these patients generally perceive the disease as a threat and have higher levels of stress given the direct impact of the disease on stress and its indirect impact through the use of passive coping styles.…”

“…Illness perception is related to the coping and adaptation mechanisms that a person develops when suffering from an illness, as well as to his or her personal characteristics and sociocultural environment [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…Some research has established a direct relationship between negative emotions, high stress levels and anxiety, when the illness is perceived as threatening [ 36 , 37 ]. Studies regarding the perception of illness in cancer patients are scarce [ 40 ].…”

“…Illness perception is related to the coping and adaptation mechanisms that a person develops when suffering from an illness, as well as to his or her personal characteristics and sociocultural environment [36][37][38][39]. This variable is not influenced by signs and symptoms, but instead by the specific personal significance it has to the person.…”