Needs and beliefs in construct accessibility: Keys to new understanding

In a general-population survey of 390 Ohioans, respondents rated five concepts as to closeness of linkage with osteopathic medicine. As suggested by the storage-bin concept in construct-accessibility theory, those who had experience with these concepts were most apt to use them in assessing osteopathic medicine. This held even though most respondents reported no contact with osteopathy. Also, those satisfied with their health insurance tended more than others to weigh “niceties” such as wellness heavily in assessing osteopathy. At the other extreme, persons without health insurance gave strong emphasis to cost-containment when evaluating this health-care school.