Traditional Ideology, Stress, and Psychotherapy Use

Abstract

I examined the relationship of traditional ideology, a characterological and cultural variable, and life stress and symptoms of depression to an openness to the use of psychotherapy. American college students (N = 150) completed several questionnaires; the results showed that despite higher levels of symptoms of depression among traditionals, a strong negative relationship existed between traditional ideology and attitudes toward and use of psychotherapy. Stressful life events, symptoms of depression, social desirability scores, and religious behavior were unrelated to attitudes toward and use of psychotherapy.