Abstract
This study sought to replicate Parslow and Jorm’s (Aust N Z J Psychiatry 34(6): 997–1008, 2000) research on need, enabling and predisposing factors as predictors of mental health service use, with the addition of childhood
trauma as a predisposing factor. It utilised a non-treatment seeking epidemiological sample of Australian adults (N = 822)
to examine 25 variables covering psychiatric disorder, socio-demographics, physical health problems, and childhood trauma
as predictors of mental health visits to general practitioners (GP’s), mental health specialists and non-mental health specialists.
A consistent multivariate predictor of mental health visits to all types of professionals was psychological distress. Presence
of an affective disorder, age, and number of health problems were additional predictors of visiting a GP. Being female, divorced,
and exposure to childhood trauma predicted use of a mental health specialist, while rural living was associated with lower
use of these services. Results highlight the importance of general psychological distress and need factors in seeking help
for mental health, and reinforce the lifelong disadvantage arising from adverse childhood experiences and the need to address
these issues in adult mental health services.
trauma as a predisposing factor. It utilised a non-treatment seeking epidemiological sample of Australian adults (N = 822)
to examine 25 variables covering psychiatric disorder, socio-demographics, physical health problems, and childhood trauma
as predictors of mental health visits to general practitioners (GP’s), mental health specialists and non-mental health specialists.
A consistent multivariate predictor of mental health visits to all types of professionals was psychological distress. Presence
of an affective disorder, age, and number of health problems were additional predictors of visiting a GP. Being female, divorced,
and exposure to childhood trauma predicted use of a mental health specialist, while rural living was associated with lower
use of these services. Results highlight the importance of general psychological distress and need factors in seeking help
for mental health, and reinforce the lifelong disadvantage arising from adverse childhood experiences and the need to address
these issues in adult mental health services.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL PAPER
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9439-0
- Authors
- Vanessa Mills, Rose Park Psychology, 30 Kensington Road, Rose Park, SA 5067, Australia
- Miranda Van Hooff, Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, Level 2/122 Frome Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Jenelle Baur, Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, Level 2/122 Frome Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Alexander C. McFarlane, Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, Level 2/122 Frome Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853