| Abstract: | Psychopathology is increasingly conceptualized as a biological phenomenon. The consequences of this conceptual shift for the general public's beliefs and attitudes regarding mental illness have been the subject of considerable study, but effects among individuals who suffer from mental disorders have received less attention. This review considers recent observational and experimental studies of the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors associated with biological conceptions of psychopathology among affected individuals. Included in the review is research that has examined the implications of such conceptualizations for prognostic beliefs, internalization of stigmatizing attitudes, treatment usage and other behaviors and intentions, and perspectives on the use of biomedical technologies in mental health. Potential conclusions, limitations of the existing literature, and considerations for future studies are discussed. |
