The Psychosocial Characteristics Influencing the Selection of Complementary Medicine

Yoo, Hee Jung; Ro, Eun Yoe; Lee, Chul; Han, Oh Su

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics of people who have preference for complementary medicine and also the psychosocial factors that are related to the selection of complementary medicine. Two-hunred subjects recruited from the community were included in this study. Demographic variables, medical service characteristics, health locus of control, social support, coping style, and personality charateritics such as self-esteem, neuroticism, and hypochondriasis were measured. It turned out that nearly 80% of the subjects had already experienced at least one alternative therapy in the past. However, past expeiece was not significant in predicting future complementary medicine usage. People who were older in age, had more information about complementary medicine, used active-behavioural coping styles, and had internal locus of control were more likely to use complementary medicine in the future. Recommenations for furthur research is indicated.