# Acceptance of Open-Label Placebos Is Linked to Holistic Health Beliefs and Thinking Styles

## TL;DR

People who believe in holistic health are more likely to accept open-label placebos, according to a study in Austria.

## Contribution

The study identifies holistic thinking and health beliefs as factors influencing acceptance of open-label placebos.

## Key findings

- Willingness to take open-label placebos is linked to holistic thinking styles.
- Holistically oriented health beliefs are associated with acceptance of open-label placebos.
- Binary logistic regression showed a clear distinction between acceptance and rejection based on these factors.

## Abstract

Open-label placebos (OLPs) have demonstrated benefits across multiple conditions; however, the factors influencing their acceptance or rejection remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between willingness to take an OLP pill and variables such as thinking styles and health beliefs. We conducted an online survey in Austria with 326 participants (mean age = 33.5 years; 77% female; 57% university students). Given the divergent attitudes toward OLPs, we performed a binary logistic regression analysis (n = 241), excluding participants with intermediate acceptance scores to more clearly distinguish between acceptance and rejection. The results indicated that holistic thinking styles and holistic health beliefs were associated with the willingness to take an OLP. Due to the correlational nature of the study, causal inference is not possible.