| Abstract: | This study explored the major categories of causal explanations used by naive observers to account for psychological problems. A pool of items describing potential causes psychological problems was generated using psychiatric and psychological theory and research and pilot work. Three hundred and ninety-four subjects rated each cause. The results were factor analyzed and five interpretable factors resulted: Factor I, Personal Characteristics: Factor II, Organic Causes; Factor III, Natural Disasters; Factor IV, Marital Crises; and Factor V, Childhood Family Conditions. It was suggested that these five dimensions can be useful in further study of the perceived causes of psychological disorders. |
