Current Psychology

Abstract We investigated public beliefs about the extent to which mental disorders are perceived to be part of the true self, that is, the set of traits and behaviors that compose one’s core character. We conducted three quantitative vignette-based studies (total n = 601) in UK general public samples, considering seven disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)). For each disorder, participants rated how much the disorder reflects the vignette character’s true self, along with perceived causes of the disorders (studies 1 and 2), perceived severity, age of onset, duration, probability of recovery (study 2), and stigmatization (study 3). Disorders differed sharply in the extent to which they were judged to be part of the true self: ADHD, ASD, and OCD received higher true self ratings than major depressive disorder, anorexia nervosa, and schizophrenia, with bipolar disorder intermediate. A disorder was rated more ‘true self’ when it was: perceived as more “biologically” caused; less “psychologically” caused; less severe; and recovery was perceived as less likely. Although the extent of stigmatization also varied across disorders, true self ratings did not predict stigmatization. Our results show that the public thinks about different mental disorders in quite different ways, suggesting that different disorders should not be lumped together when considering attitudes and their consequences.

Recent research has demonstrated that self-report measures of experienced autonomy and external control relate to attitudes, behavior, and well-being consistent with self-determination theory (SDT) predictions. These motivational states have traditionally been inferred from reason-based measures of the SDT motivation types; inferences that may not be accurate, particularly when there are multiple reasons for engaging in an activity. In this research, we investigated whether self-report measures of the psychological states associated with the specific SDT motivation types might similarly eliminate the need for inference from reason-based measures and contribute meaningfully to the prediction of important outcomes. We developed a context-free measure of the type-specific motivation states - Motivational State Scales – Specific (MSS-S) – including separate approach and avoidance versions of external and introjected regulation. We administered the MSS-S along with measures of the global motivation states (autonomy, control, strength) and relevant outcomes (e.g., need satisfaction, well-being, attitudes, performance) to employees ( n = 500) and students ( n = 476). The findings supported a 9-factor structure, and the type-specific motivational states related to global states and outcomes largely in accord with SDT predictions, with meaningful differences for the approach and avoidance scales. The type-specific and global state measures contributed uniquely to outcome prediction, suggesting that both constitute meaningful ways to conceptualize the motivation quality distinction in SDT. We discuss implications for future research and practical applications of the MSS-S.