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More on the demographics of mental health
The Audacious Epigone Blog | Saturday, November 19, 2011 | Audacious Epigone

Posted on 11/21/2011 6:54:58 PM PST by JerseyHighlander

Saturday, November 19, 2011

More on the demographics of mental health

In the previous post, we looked at the likelihood to have received treatment for a mental health problem by political orientation based on GSS data. It turns out that self-described political liberals are twice as likely to have been treated for mental health issues as conservatives are, with moderates falling in between*. This spurred several intriguing comments that I'll turn to the GSS again to address. In the previous post, we looked at the likelihood to have received treatment for a mental health problem by political orientation based on GSS data. It turns out that self-described political liberals are twice as likely to have been treated for mental health issues as conservatives are, with moderates falling in between*. This spurred several intriguing comments that I'll turn to the GSS again to address.

[SNIP] Conclusion:

So, mental health issues are most commonly experienced among well-educated, unmarried, irreligious white liberals who don't procreate (or do the SWPL thing and have one kid after both parents are firmly established in their professional careers). Mental health problems are progressive, baby!



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News
KEYWORDS: liberalism; mentalhealth
Here are some numbers to back up some common sense...
1 posted on 11/21/2011 6:55:01 PM PST by JerseyHighlander
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To: JerseyHighlander
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Conservatives are mentally healthier than liberals

Ed Tom Kowalsky asks:
I've often wondered if mental illness is more common among those who self identify as liberal than those who self identify as conservative. I suspect the answer is a resounding "yes," but I don't know if there is solid evidence justifying my suspicion.
I'm not familiar with the relevant science, but a bit of googling turns up some survey results showing that Republicans are more likely than Democrats are to describe themselves as being in good mental health. Another commenter, JOhn, asserts that liberalism and neuroticism are correlated. From what I'm able to gather, the evidence for that is pretty mixed, but again, I'm really not qualified to speak on the subject.

The GSS is another natural place to turn to in seeking an answer, however, and I am qualified enough to report what its data show! In 2006, it asked respondents if they had ever received treatment for a mental health problem. That's not exactly the same as asking whether or not they had ever suffered from mental health issues--I'd guess, ceteris paribus, liberals are more likely than conservatives are to seek out medical treatment for perceived problems that cover all aspects of personal health, whether they be physical, emotional, or psychological--but it's pretty close.

The question is binary, with respondents simply answering "yes" or "no". The following table shows the percentages of people who report having received treatment for a mental health problem at some point in their lives by political orientation (n = 1,356):

Politics
Treated
Liberal
19.7%
Moderate
11.8%
Conservative
9.7%

So the GSS provides Ed with at least some evidence that his suspicion is correct.

GSS variables used: MHTRTSLF, POLVIEWS(1-3)(4)(5-7)

2 posted on 11/21/2011 6:56:57 PM PST by JerseyHighlander
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To: JerseyHighlander

This thread is gonna get good.


3 posted on 11/21/2011 6:58:56 PM PST by rdl6989 (January 20, 2013 The end of an error.)
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To: JerseyHighlander

Search “liberal” *Ctrl+f) here: http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/RevealingStatistics.html#Sec3


4 posted on 11/21/2011 7:01:14 PM PST by daniel1212 (Our sinful deeds condemn us, but Christ's death and resurrection gains salvation. Repent +Believe)
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To: JerseyHighlander
So, mental health issues are most commonly experienced among well-educated, unmarried, irreligious white liberals who don't procreate

Well, I'll be the control group. I'm a well-educated, unmarried, irreligious white conservative who didn't procreate, and I'm fine. The only variable is the politics, so... there ya go! ;^)

5 posted on 11/21/2011 7:01:44 PM PST by A_perfect_lady (Islam is as Islam does.)
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To: JerseyHighlander

Yeah, I’d say most affluent city bastards, munchers and packers all have shrinks.

Plus, everyone knows that liberalism is a mental disorder.


6 posted on 11/21/2011 7:03:13 PM PST by ROCKLOBSTER ( Celebrate Republicans Freed the Slaves Month.)
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To: JerseyHighlander

Sorry for rushed post; leave off the Sec3 and search (Ctrl+F) from the top.

And thanks for the link


7 posted on 11/21/2011 7:05:58 PM PST by daniel1212 (Our sinful deeds condemn us, but Christ's death and resurrection gains salvation. Repent +Believe)
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To: A_perfect_lady

Hey,

There ya are. Just want you to know, we’re all praying for your soul.

Jesus loves you doncha know.


8 posted on 11/21/2011 7:06:39 PM PST by ROCKLOBSTER ( Celebrate Republicans Freed the Slaves Month.)
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To: ROCKLOBSTER

Well, don’t skip any of your favorite TV shows to pray for me. Do it at stoplights and standing in long lines, that’s my advice.


9 posted on 11/21/2011 7:09:23 PM PST by A_perfect_lady (Islam is as Islam does.)
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To: JerseyHighlander

I might also suggest something to be taken into consideration.

It is entirely possible that conservatives are less likely to seek treatment for mental health issues they may have, preferring to deal with them on their own.


10 posted on 11/21/2011 7:11:38 PM PST by Winstons Julia (Hello OWS? We don't need a revolution like China's; China needs a revolution like OURS.)
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To: JerseyHighlander
A lot of mental illness comes about from the use of those drugs the Paultards don't want to be illegal.

Which ideology supports use of the street drugs and the drunken lifestlyefrying a lot of people's brains?

11 posted on 11/21/2011 7:13:39 PM PST by MrEdd (Heck? Geewhiz Cripes, thats the place where people who don't believe in Gosh think they aint going.)
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To: JerseyHighlander

liberalism drives people crazy?


12 posted on 11/21/2011 7:19:55 PM PST by HiTech RedNeck (bloodwashed not whitewashed)
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To: JerseyHighlander

I’ve always been crazy, but it’s kept me from going insane!


13 posted on 11/21/2011 7:21:23 PM PST by Revolting cat! (Let us prey!)
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To: A_perfect_lady

Well, I’ll be at the other end of the control group. I’m a married mother & grandmother with a wonderful family and a really great life (most of the time) who’s also bipolar.

Cindie


14 posted on 11/21/2011 7:21:52 PM PST by gardencatz (I'm lucky enough to live, walk & breathe among heroes! I am the mother of a US Marine!)
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To: JerseyHighlander

We are going to politicize mental illness? Uhhhh, no thanks.


15 posted on 11/21/2011 8:00:08 PM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
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To: JerseyHighlander
While only 1 in 10 white conservatives have been treated for mental health problems, nearly one-quarter of white liberals have. I am not qualified to explain why this is the case...

Maybe it has to do with the fact that over 90% of therapists are self described liberals... something like the reason more liberals subscribe to newspapers...

16 posted on 11/21/2011 8:17:38 PM PST by GOPJ ( Democrats are the only reason to vote for Republicans.... Will Rogers)
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To: Zuben Elgenubi
We are going to politicize mental illness? Uhhhh, no thanks.

Whoa, way too late.

A RAT social worker can come up with a handful of mental disorders that you have. And if they are positioned properly (ie they took your kids away from you) they will force you to "take classes" from the mental health providers which runs a bunch of money through the system.

Homosexuality used to be a legitimate mental disorder, but since the gay agenda started creeping in, they are a protected civil rights class.

Tell me none of that is political.

17 posted on 11/21/2011 8:23:27 PM PST by ROCKLOBSTER ( Celebrate Republicans Freed the Slaves Month.)
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