Attitude, coping and outcome in schizophrenia.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between attitude and outcome of 30 schizophrenic outpatients. Attitude is measured using the modes of response to psychosis proposed by MayerGross in 1920 and operationalised into questionnaire form by Soskis and Bowers (1969) and McGlashan and Carpenter (1981). The outcome is defined by the number ofrehospitalizations since the first diagnosis of schizophrenia. Results show a significant relationship between attitude and outcome. Positive attitude toward the illness and positive attitude toward the future were both significantly correlated with a positive outcome (lower rate of rehospitalization). Similarly, both negative attitudes toward the illness and negative attitude toward the future were significantly correlated with a negative outcome (higher rate of rehospitalization). There was a stronger correlation between positive attitudes and positive outcome than between negative attitudes and negative outcome. The relationship between attitude and outcome in schizophrenia is used to suggest alternative ways of conceptualizing and managing the condition. The findings of this study are also used to develop recommendations for further research.