The Effects of Illness Perceptions on Treatment-Seeking Behavior

The journal, “Making sense of posttraumatic stress disorder: Illness perceptions among traumatic injury survivors,” studies the effects of illness perceptions on treatment-seeking behaviors after a traumatic injury. It states “According to the commonsense model of self-regulation, illness related perceptions can influence coping responses, including the use of professional treatment” as the hypothesis for the study. A group of 23 individuals who did not seek professional help after hospitalization were interviewed about their state of life after sustaining traumatic injuries. All of these individuals met the symptom criteria for PTSD, however, most of them claimed to have no adjustment issues. Even those that did somewhat believe that they were not functioning well did not seek professional help. Furthermore, when the interviewers spoke to them about PTSD, none of them were able to connect their symptoms to the disorder, even when they understood the effects. The study focuses on five specific perceptions that may affect the behavior of the affected individuals. These include: the individual’s identification of their illness experience, timeline perceptions (assumed duration of effects and time required to cure the symptoms), perceived causes, perceived consequences of an injury or sickness, and how effectively the individual believes he can control or cure his illness. 

The study was conducted with face-to-face interviews of approximately 60 minute durations to explore the respondents’ conceptualizations about their PTSD symptoms. Initially, the respondents listed problems relating to their injuries which led to discussions about their current state of living. The discussions started with very broad questions following domains of the commonsense model to assess the most important issues. As these issues were identified, the interviewers began to ask more specific questions for a more detailed analysis. The team then reviewed the interviews to identify and further study the recurring themes. Respondents continuously described symptoms that pointed towards PTSD, but they were unable to understand them and none used the term “PTSD” to describe their symptoms. While discussing their symptoms of reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal, some identified them as things like depression, rage, or abuse. Some were unable to make any form of identification. Most of the respondents perceived the traumatic event to be the cause of their symptoms, both physical and psychological. However, many believed it was just a normal reaction to trauma, and some attributed the symptoms to the pain from the injury rather than the experience itself. The perceptions of symptom duration were very consistent in that they believed the symptoms would not last long. Opinions varied between getting better over time, and never dissipating, but none of the respondents believed their symptoms would get worse. The main consequences identified by the respondents were physical pain, effects on how they view themselves, and trouble keeping social relationships. Some even adopted positive opinions, believing they were lucky to be experiencing symptoms like hypervigilance. Respondents also believed their symptoms were controllable and described their attempts at self healing. The two most common methods were spiritual methods including church and various forms of prayer, and staying positive. Overall it was shown that the respondents’ illness perceptions prevented them from recognizing their serious mental health conditions. The journal concludes “Research findings suggest that in the absence of a label or sematic structure that identifies symptoms as part of a serious health condition, traumatic injury survivors may not have perceived their PTSD symptoms as warranting professional treatment.

The findings in this study have shown that general education about the experiences in the case of traumatic injury can help those with PTSD to seek the aid that they require. Simply giving a label to the symptoms or the condition helps them to understand what is going on with them can give them an understanding of the route they need to take. Also, mental health interventions can be modified to fit the needs of the individual. For example, in the case of those with strong religious beliefs, a therapist can use religion-oriented methods in communicating and treating for an even greater effect. Furthermore, simply showing evidence that PTSD can be treated by professionals would be enough to persuade the individuals who never thought it an option. Illness perceptions can be changed in a way that leads a healthy road to recovery for individuals suffering from these traumas.

I generally agree with the way this research was conducted. However, I would have used a larger group of people and would have included follow-up interviews after educating the individuals about their conditions. The most important part of research like this, after all, is helping the suffering individuals to recover and to understand that help can be provided. Even so, identifying that their conceptualizations of their conditions are a big factor in the lack of treatment-seeking behavior is a great start. I find it very interesting that people who suffer through such events generally do not seek help for their ailments for the various reasons mentioned. However, I do understand the dilemma, for I find myself in that same position very often when I become sick or hurt. I may not suffer from severe symptoms like the people in the study, but it has helped me to understand my own thought processes when it comes to my personal treatment seeking behavior. It also seems as though this study could be applied to many mental disorders, rather than just the one being studied here. I also find it interesting that these thought processes can create such a barrier between us and understanding and treating our illnesses. Overall this study was conducted very well and will certainly help me understand patients in the future.