Support workers' attitudes to mental illness: implications for reducing stigma

Abstract

Aims and MethodWe conducted an anonymous survey of support workers to examine attitudes to people with different types of mental illness. Scores were based on a previously demonstrated stigmatisation score.ResultsA total of 133 questionnaires were returned, representing 27% of all possible recipients. Fewer than 20% of respondents considered people with schizophrenia to be dangerous, although nearly half thought that they would never fully recover. More stigmatising responses were demonstrated to alcohol and drug addiction than to other disorders.Clinical ImplicationsSupport workers who spend large amounts of time with people with mental illness, in particular schizophrenia, have a low perception of their dangerousness. This may have implications for planning further measures to reduce stigmatisation.

Practitioner attitudes towards patients in forensic mental health settings

“…An aspect of stigma that is negative across both forms of evaluation is the perception that patients can be dangerous. This has been found by other studies by Nordt et al (2006) and Tipper et al (2006). However, in the context of a forensic service, this is not unexpected and arguably falls into the bracket of a reasonable perception based upon assessed risk.…”

“…This has been found by other studies by Nordt et al (2006) and Tipper et al (2006). However, in the context of a forensic service, this is not unexpected and arguably falls into the bracket of a reasonable perception based upon assessed risk.…”

“…Mental health nurses report significant levels of recovery pessimism when compared with the public (Thornicroft 2006, Schulze 2007. Ideas that people with schizophrenia are dangerous and unpredictable are commonly held across mental health professionals and support workers (Nordt et al 2006, Tipper et al 2006. Stigma towards conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder attracts attributions of blame (Ross & Goldner 2009).…”

Inpatient staff perceptions in providing care to individuals with co-occurring mental health problems and illicit substance use

“…Although the response rate to the questionnaire survey was low, this can be compared to other response rates of previous studies involving busy professionals working within inpatient areas (Mears et al . 2004, Tipper et al . 2006).…”

“…The questionnaire survey data relied on a participant response rate of 36%. Although the response rate to the questionnaire survey was low, this can be compared to other response rates of previous studies involving busy professionals working within inpatient areas (Mears et al 2004, Tipper et al 2006. Generalization from these results could be limited as this study was concentrated in inpatient units within one Healthcare Trust.…”