Complement Ther Med. 2003 Mar; 11(1): 28-32.

Postmodern values, attitudes and the use of complementary medicine.

O'Callaghan FV, Jordan N.

School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University-Gold Coast, PMB50 Gold Coast Mail Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland 9726, Australia. f.ocallaghan@mailbox.gu.edu.au

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between postmodern values, demographic variables and people's attitudes towards and use of acupuncture, aromatherapy and naturopathy. DESIGN: One hundred and seventy-one adults completed a survey measuring postmodern values about health, attitudes towards and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), age, gender, education, and current and recent health. SETTING: Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Attitudes to CAM and use of CAM. RESULTS: Postmodern values significantly predicted attitudes to CAM and actual use of CAM. Age also significantly predicted attitudes to CAM. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of patients' belief in natural remedies and in their active involvement in the healing process.