Attitudes About Mental Illness and its Treatment: Validation of a Generic Scale for Public Health Surveillance of Mental Illness Associated Stigma

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test a brief instrument to monitor the U.S. public's attitudes about mental illness. A SAMHSA and CDC-led panel reached consensus through an iterative process to identify generic, multidimensional measures to test using a representative sample of 5,251 adults. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two subscales (Negative Stereotypes [alpha = 0.66]; Recovery and Outcomes [alpha = 0.69]). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the convergent validity of the two subscales. Subscale scores differed by sex, race/ethnicity, and experience with mental illness. Inclusion of these brief subscales on existing population-based surveys can help states and others track attitudes about mental illness.

Effects of a Documentary Film on Public Stigma Related to Mental Illness Among Genetic Counselors

“…Previous research suggests that those with personal history of mental illness might be expected to have less negative attitudes towards mental illness (Bell et al 2006;Kobau et al 2009;Link et al 2004), and therefore that the effect of the documentary would be attenuated in this population. Despite this however, we found significant positive changes in attitude toward mental illness in response to the documentary.…”

“…Of the three levels at which stigma operates, public stigma (defined as the phenomenon whereby large social groups have negative attitudes towards and beliefs about, and even act against those with a disenfranchised trait -like mental illness (Corrigan and Watson 2002)) has received the greatest attention. Public stigma related to mental illness has been investigated in a broad range of groups including the general public Kobau et al 2009), students (Brown 2008;Chan et al 2009;Corrigan et al 2001;Faigin and Stein 2008;Mann and Himelein 2008;Penn et al 1994;Reinke et al 2004) police , and mental health workers Schulze 2007). In all groups in which public stigma has been investigated, negative beliefs about, and attitudes and behaviors towards individuals with mental illness have been identified.…”

Discussing the psychiatric manifestations of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: an exploration of clinical practice among medical geneticists

“…18,19 It is relevant to note that psychiatric disorders are among the most profoundly stigmatized of all health conditions, and negative attitudes toward these conditions have been identified in many groups including the general public, [20][21][22][23] students, 24 police, 25 mental health workers, 26,27 and genetic counselors. 28,29 Medical geneticists' attitudes toward individuals with psychiatric disorders, and the relationships between these attitudes and clinical practice regarding disclosure of information about psychiatric risks, have not been previously studied.…”

Schizophrenia Literacy Amongst Nursing Students And Nursing Staff: An Exploratory Study

“…In contrast many studies in general community consider that endorsing genetic etiology of schizophrenia is more stigmatizing and increase in the desire for social distance from people with schizophrenia was found as genetic factors seem non modifiable factor [24][25]28]. Most studies on mental health literacy perceived mentally ill violent [26][27][28][29][30][31]. This is one of the most important factors that determine a person's attitude towards schizophrenia as regards to social distance.…”

“…The stigma of mental illness can be reduced by education and experience, and an examination of attitudes towards mental illness should be included in medical training [29]. Contact with individuals who have mental illnesses, and education that replaces myth with fact, can decrease stigmatization and positively affect attitudes [30][31][32][33]. In nursing students, attitude towards schizophrenia was significantly positive (p < 0.05) as compared to nursing staff.…”