TY - JOUR
T1 - Toward a sociological understanding of complementary and alternative medicine use
AU - Stratton, Terry D.
AU - McGivern-Snofsky, Jennifer L.
PY - 2008/7/1
Y1 - 2008/7/1
N2 - Background and objectives: The wide array of treatments and modalities comprising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represent a growing option for many individuals. Seeking to better understand this, much research has centered on identifying sociodemographic (e.g., age, gender, race) or social-psychologic (e.g., absorption, depression, coping) correlates of using CAM therapies. In contrast, sociological perspectives recognize the influence of larger-scale, external forces on individuals' motivations to seek alternative or complementary care. Aim: This paper, then, illustrates current and potential sociological approaches to understanding CAM use, and the importance of social forces that influence persons' decisions to utilize (or not) "unconventional" medical care.
AB - Background and objectives: The wide array of treatments and modalities comprising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represent a growing option for many individuals. Seeking to better understand this, much research has centered on identifying sociodemographic (e.g., age, gender, race) or social-psychologic (e.g., absorption, depression, coping) correlates of using CAM therapies. In contrast, sociological perspectives recognize the influence of larger-scale, external forces on individuals' motivations to seek alternative or complementary care. Aim: This paper, then, illustrates current and potential sociological approaches to understanding CAM use, and the importance of social forces that influence persons' decisions to utilize (or not) "unconventional" medical care.
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U2 - 10.1089/acm.2007.7006
DO - 10.1089/acm.2007.7006
M3 - Review article
C2 - 18578592
AN - SCOPUS:49249100956
SN - 1075-5535
VL - 14
SP - 777
EP - 783
JO - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
IS - 6
ER -