Attitudes toward mental illness prevention in routine pediatric practice

J. Yager, L. S. Linn, B. Leake, S. Goldston, C. Heinicke and R. Pynoos
Department of Psychiatry, UCLA Center for the Health Sciences.

Attitudes toward preventive mental health activities with high-risk children in clinical practice were surveyed in 316 pediatricians. Although generally positive attitudes were expressed regarding appropriateness and efficacy of such activities, uncertainty was expressed regarding the ethical issues and knowledge on which such activities rest. Pediatricians perceived serious barriers to preventive activities related to financial, educational, and time factors. Pediatricians whose personal health beliefs favored an internal locus of control were more positively inclined toward preventive activities. Studies relating reported attitudes and beliefs to actual practice patterns are necessary. Pediatricians also require additional training in mental health-related preventive activities.