By Tinotenda Maguza
Great Zimbabwe University Psychology Student
When patients receive a diagnosis, their understanding of and beliefs about the illness can influence how they respond to treatment and manage their recovery. Health psychologists explain that patients who understand their conditions and believe that treatment will help them are more likely to follow treatment recommendations. On the contrary, inaccurate beliefs can lead to treatment avoidance, poor illness management, and anxiety.
A mental model is the way an individual understands and interprets a situation. In health psychology, Leventhal, Meyer, and Nerenz (1980) proposed the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation, which explains that people develop personal representations of their illnesses. These representations include what the illness is, what causes it, and whether it can be cured.
For instance, two patients may be diagnosed with the same chronic illness. One might understand the illness and begin following the recommended treatment, whilst the other might perceive the diagnosis as the end of their life, leading to poor coping mechanisms.
A senior student at Great Zimbabwe University explained that mental models influence how patients respond to their conditions and approach recovery.
“They influence how patients understand their illness, cope with symptoms, and follow treatment. Patients who believe their condition can be managed are more likely to remain hopeful and adhere to treatment, while those who view their diagnosis as hopeless may experience fear, anxiety, and reduced motivation,” the student said.
A patient’s mental model can affect both the patient and their family members. Patients use their beliefs and understanding of an illness to decide whether to follow treatment recommendations and seek professional help. Family members can also shape these beliefs through information obtained from relatives, social media, and cultural practices. This information can influence how patients interpret their diagnoses.
Mental models are important when a person first experiences symptoms because their understanding of those symptoms can influence whether they seek help from health professionals. They are also important when a patient receives a diagnosis, as the patient’s beliefs and understanding of the condition can influence their response. Furthermore, when patients begin treatment, their understanding of how medication will help them recover can affect their willingness to follow the prescribed treatment.
Mental models matter because they influence treatment adherence and health-related behaviours. According to the Common-Sense Model, people are motivated to reduce the threat posed by illness. Patients develop beliefs about their conditions and use these beliefs to determine appropriate coping strategies.
This is also supported by Bandura (1997), who highlighted the importance of self-efficacy in carrying out health-related behaviours. For instance, if a person believes that treatment can help manage their illness, they may be more likely to adhere to their medication regimen. However, a patient who believes that treatment will not improve their condition may be less likely to follow the prescribed treatment.
Another senior student emphasised the relationship between a patient’s perception of their diagnosis and their attitude towards recovery.
“I feel that every individual has their own perspective. If someone perceives a diagnosis as a threat, their recovery may be slower. However, if they believe that the condition is treatable, they may approach recovery more positively. This is because a person’s mindset can influence their recovery journey,” the student said.
Mental models influence recovery through their effect on treatment adherence. Patients who understand the importance of their medication are more likely to take it as prescribed. They are more likely to ensure that they take their medication at the correct times and in the prescribed quantities.
Mental models also influence emotional responses. When a patient perceives a diagnosis as a condition that cannot be cured, they may be more likely to experience fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. On the contrary, when patients perceive their conditions as treatable or manageable, they may develop hope and adopt more effective coping strategies.
A senior student offered a perspective on how the meaning patients attach to their diagnoses can influence their willingness to continue fighting their illnesses.
“A diagnosis is the fact; the mental model is the meaning. And meaning moves people towards healing or away from it. How someone understands their illness shapes whether they engage, fight, or give up. It can’t cure biology, but it can keep someone in the fight,” the student said.
Mental models can also influence coping mechanisms. Patients may seek more information about their diagnoses and obtain social support from family members and friends. These coping mechanisms can promote recovery and help patients maintain positive health behaviours.
Patients’ beliefs about their illnesses may also affect their motivation to participate actively in treatment. Understanding a diagnosis can help patients make informed decisions, communicate their concerns to health professionals, and develop realistic expectations about recovery.
Another senior student highlighted the relationship between patients’ beliefs, emotional well-being, and adherence to treatment.
“I believe patients’ mental models affect recovery because what they believe about their illness influences their emotions, treatment adherence, and hope for recovery,” the student said.
Health professionals can help patients develop accurate understandings of their diagnoses by providing clear and reliable information. They can also offer patient education to address misunderstandings and give patients opportunities to ask questions.
Furthermore, health professionals should conduct follow-up assessments to monitor patients’ recovery progress. If patients experience overwhelming emotions, counselling psychologists and social workers can provide appropriate counselling and emotional support. Successful patient recovery requires collaboration among health professionals.
In conclusion, patients’ mental models can influence how they cope with their diagnoses, adhere to medication, and participate in their recovery. Although a patient’s mindset cannot replace medical treatment, their understanding of an illness can influence their emotional responses, treatment decisions, and coping strategies.
Health professionals should therefore provide patients with accurate information about their conditions and ensure that they understand their diagnoses. When patients have a clear understanding of their conditions, they may be more likely to take an active role in managing their treatment and recovery.