Reducing stigma: the effect of an educational intervention

The stigma associated with a mental illness can be an impediment to recovery and has been described as more long lasting and disabling than the illness itself (Schulze & Angermeyer, 2003). Thus reducing stigma is an important cornerstone in any mental health strategy. This study examined the imp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Burns, Amy Minh Nhat
Other Authors: Leighton, Jacqueline (Educational Psychology)
Format: Others
Language:en
Published: 2009
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10048/587
Description
Summary:The stigma associated with a mental illness can be an impediment to recovery and has been described as more long lasting and disabling than the illness itself (Schulze & Angermeyer, 2003). Thus reducing stigma is an important cornerstone in any mental health strategy. This study examined the impact of an educational presentation by the Edmonton Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EEPIC) on reducing stigma associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. Stigma was measured using the Attribution Questionnaire (Corrigan, Markowitz, Watson, Rowan, & Kubiak, 2003) and the World Psychiatric Association’s Presentation Evaluation (Sartorius & Schulze, 2005). Respondents’ knowledge about the causes of schizophrenia improved as a result of the presentation. In addition, respondents viewed people with schizophrenia as less dangerous and were less socially distancing after the educational presentation. These results provide preliminary evidence that a time-limited educational presentation can foster positive attitudes and reduce the stigma related to schizophrenia. === Measurement, Evaluation and Cognition