Alternative Ways to Mental Health: Exploring Psychological Determinants of Preference for CAM Treatments

Abstract

Research suggests a trend toward an increased interest in CAM, complementary and alternative therapies for treating mental health problems, which is paralleled by a relatively favorable attitude of mental health professionals. This study explored psychological predictors of attitude toward CAM therapies: frustration tolerance (measured by the 28-item Frustration Discomfort Scale), self-esteem (measured by the 16-item Revised Version of the Self-Liking/Self-Competence Scale), cognitive styles (measured by REI Scale-short version) and irrational health beliefs (measured by CAM Health Belief Questionnaire – CHBQ). Participants (N = 294) reacted to vignettes describing Bach flower remedies and neuro-linguistic programming to indicate their attitude toward CAM. CAM health beliefs (e.g., belief that health is a balance of life forces) and self-esteem positively predicted attitude toward CAM, while the rational style of thinking was a negative predictor. As suggested by mediation analysis, the intuitive thinking style affected the attitude toward CAM via an increase in CAM beliefs. We discuss the implications of our findings for encouraging rational decision-making when seeking help with mental health problems.