Anti-Stigma – The repentant sinner: methods to reduce stigmatised attitudes towards mental illness

The repentant sinner: methods to reduce stigmatised attitudes towards mental illness, Psychiatric Bulletin (2008) 32: 327-332

Abstract:

To devise a simple technique to reduce stigmatised attitudes of the general public towards those with mental disorder (schizophrenia and substance misuse). Members of the general public (n=400) completed a questionnaire to measure stigmatised attitudes towards people with schizophrenia and substance misuse disorders. Participants were randomised to receive either a short, ‘upbeat’ leaflet with a description of a patient in remission and a photograph of a man in a business suit; or a simple description of a fictional patient. The 5-item Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used to measure the effect of the various procedures on stigmatised attitudes (score range –10 to +10).

Results were received for 310 (77%) participants. The leaflet produced a large, statistically significant reduction in stigmatised attitudes towards people with opiate dependence (effect size 1.53, CI 1.23-1.82, P<0.0001; median change 4 units) and alcohol dependence (effect size 1.41, CI 1.12-1.70, P<0.0001; median change 4 units) but less so towards people with schizophrenia (effect size 0.54, CI 0.27-0.80, P=0.0002; median change 2 units). There was no difference between participants in respect of the control group at 4-week follow-up (233 responses received; 78% response rate).

A short illustrated leaflet can be used to reduce stigmatised attitudes towards substance misuse disorders if patients are presented in a positive manner. This is less effective for attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, possibly because people have a more generous attitude towards patients who have overcome substance misuse disorders.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk