Predictors of Difficulties in Treatment Adherence in Patients with Mental Health Disorders: Role of Personality and Paranormal Beliefs

Abstract

Objectives. The decision to use mental health services can be influenced by personality characteristics and casual beliefs that people with different mental health disorders hold about the reasons for their condition. Therefore, the present study aimed to find out the association and predictors of personality traits, paranormal beliefs, and difficulties in treatment adherence in patients with mental health disorders.

Method. The study used a correlational research design. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 210 patients (Male= 107, Female = 103) from different hospitals in Lahore.

Results. Results showed that neuroticism had a positive association while openness had a negative association with paranormal beliefs and difficulties in treatment adherence. Hierarchical regression showed that age, gender, residential area, neuroticism, and paranormal beliefs are significant positive predictors of difficulties in treatment adherence. Females exhibited more neuroticism, had high paranormal beliefs, and were more vulnerable to having difficulties in treatment adherence as compared to male participants of the research. In terms of mean difference, unemployed patients scored high on difficulties in treatment adherence as compared to patients with occupation. The ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference in types of disorders in terms of neuroticism and difficulties in treatment adherence.

Conclusion & Implication. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to adopt a more patient-centered approach to treatment planning. Mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, should assess adherence barriers on an individual basis and implement strategies to enhance compliance.