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Do mental health surveys disturb? Further evidence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

A. F. Jorm ,
A. S. Henderson ,
R. Scott ,
A. J. Mackinnon ,
A. E. Korten  and
H. Christensen
A. F. Jorm*
Affiliation:
NH & MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
A. S. Henderson
Affiliation:
NH & MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
R. Scott
Affiliation:
NH & MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
A. J. Mackinnon
Affiliation:
NH & MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
A. E. Korten
Affiliation:
NH & MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
H. Christensen
Affiliation:
NH & MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr A. F. Jorm,. NH&MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
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Synopsis

In a community survey of 873 persons aged 70 years or over, focusing on dementia, cognitive decline, depression, and current life circumstances, we included an enquiry into the emotional impact of the interview. A large majority reported at the end of the interview that it had no adverse effect on their emotional state. About 4% reported that it made them distressed, 1% that it depressed them, and 2% that it had intruded on their privacy. By contrast, 52% said it had made them feel good about themselves. Distress seemed to be largely related to performing poorly on cognitive tests. There is no information on the duration of these effects in the period following the interview. It is recommended that respondents in community surveys, including the elderly, be informed that they can decline to answer any question, and that interviewers be trained in how to respond to the few who will be distressed by the experience.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , February 1994 , pp. 233 - 237
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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