Externalization of mental illness symptoms and economic crisis in order to predict perceived social support

Abstract

Background. An increasing psychological requests related to economic crisis has been recorded in the Italian population. Moreover “crisis-related†patients shows lower degree of perceived social support which could lead to psychological illness and suicidal ideation too. Methods. Using an observational research design, the aim of the present study was to investigate – in a sample of patients (n=91) from the “Crisis and Psychopathology Observatory†– the relationship between the demand analysis (crisis-related vs. ordinary mental health care), the tendency for externalizing psychological problems (Cronbach’s Alpha=.88) and perceived social support (Cronbach’s Alpha=.81). In order to predict perceived social support ANOVA has been performed. Analysis. The results showed an interaction between the tendency for externalizing psychological symptoms and the demand analysis: F(1,90)=5.38; p=.02. High psychological problems related to economic crisis combined to a low tendency of externalizing symptoms leads to a low perceived social support. Discussion. The present study gives prominence to psycho-social variables related to this new psychological complaint and suggest possible pathways in treating economic “crisis-related†patients.