Attitudes towards Risk Prediction in a Help Seeking Population of Early Detection Centers for Mental Disorders—A Qualitative Approach

Bibliographic Data

ID15501446
AuthorsPauline Mantell (0000-0002-1910-4083, University of Cologne, corresponding author), Annika Baumeister (0000-0002-9451-201X, University of Cologne), Stephan Ruhrmann (0000-0002-6022-2364, University of Cologne), Anna Janhsen (University of Cologne), Christiane Woopen (0000-0002-7148-6808, University of Cologne)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue3
Pages1036-1036
Publication date2021-01-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18031036
PMID33503900
OpenAlexW3123040589
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited31

Big Data approaches raise hope for a paradigm shift towards illness prevention, while others are concerned about discrimination resulting from these approaches. This will become particularly important for people with mental disorders, as research on medical risk profiles and early detection progresses rapidly. This study aimed to explore views and attitudes towards risk prediction in people who, for the first time, sought help at one of three early detection centers for mental disorders in Germany (Cologne, Munich, Dresden). A total of 269 help-seekers answered an open-ended question on the potential use of risk prediction. Attitudes towards risk prediction and motives for its approval or rejection were categorized inductively and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The anticipated impact on self-determination was a driving decision component, regardless of whether a person would decide for or against risk prediction. Results revealed diverse, sometimes contrasting, motives for both approval and rejection (e.g., the desire to control of one's life as a reason for and against risk prediction). Knowledge about a higher risk as a potential psychological burden was one of the major reasons against risk prediction. The decision to make use of risk prediction is expected to have far-reaching effects on the quality of life and self-perception of potential users. Healthcare providers should empower those seeking help by carefully considering individual expectations and perceptions of risk prediction

Environmental health · Help-seeking · Mental health · Poison control · Population · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Health disparities and outcomes · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology

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