Alyson Mischel Ein completes dissertation in the School of Psychology

The Impact of Socio-economic Status on Men’s Attitudes about Psychological Self-help Literature -- Alyson Mischel Ein

Alyson combines her education and clinical training with her own experiences, and has developed a common sense approach for addressing life's challenges. Alyson is an adjunct professor at the USC School of Social Work and was formerly a clinical supervisor for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She has counseled hundreds of people in the areas of career, relationships, health, and finances. A graduate of Stanford University, the University of Southern California, and a licensed clinical social worker, Alyson has been studying and practicing since 1998. You can learn more about Alyson’s practice at www.alysonmischel.com.

Abstract:
Previous research has identified psychological self-help publications as potential tools to promote positive psychological change in readers generally, and in male readers specifically. However, socioeconomic status (SES) may be a barrier to some men’s willingness or ability to take advantage of these resources. The study’s central research question – Does SES add to the prediction of attitudes toward self-help books once demographic variables have been considered? – was addressed by analyzing quantitative, cross-sectional survey data gathered from over 300 adult male respondents using an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses indicated no statistically significant relationship between SES and self-help attitudes. A man’s subjective social status does not impact his attitude toward reading self-help books. However, self-help attitudes were found to be more positive among men who had helpful previous mental health treatment and among older men.

Key Words: men, self-help, SES