Generational Changes in Conceptions of Mental Illness

Abstract

Generational changes in the conceptualization of mental illness were investigated by means of a specially constructed scale. The sample comprised 100 subjects made up of two groups of Hindu and Muslim grandmothers (mean age 61 years) and two groups of their middle-aged daughters (mean age 41 years). The results included the following: (1) a significant generation effect and (2) the conceptualization largely in Eastern terms but an acceptance of both Eastern and Western conceptions of etiology and treatment. Possible factors influencing the results were discussed.