Lay Conceptions of Physical Symptoms1
- 1 February 1987
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Applied Social Psychology
- Vol. 17 (2) , 127-146
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1987.tb00305.x
Abstract
This research uses multidimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis to investigate the cognitive dimensions used by lay people in responding to physical symptoms. Fifty‐eight adult subjects sorted 60 physical symptoms according to perceived co‐occurrence. MDS analysis of these sortings revealed four dimensions: caused by a virus, upper vs. lower in the body, physical vs. psychological causation, and disruptive to activities. These dimensions were in turn significantly related to predicted behavioral responses to symptoms. Disruptiveness of the symptom was closely related to reduction in activities while both viral causation and disruptiveness were related to self‐care (use of nonprescription medicines or home remedies). Physical vs. psychological causation and location in the lower part of the body were related to the use of professional care (visiting a doctor, using a prescription medicine). Results from cluster analyses supported and extended these findings.Keywords
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