Conference paper
SOCIAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENTALLY ILL IN COMPARISON TO EXPERTS’ OPINIONS
Krzysztof Maria Wilczyński
; Students' Scientific Association in Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Elżbieta Mazgaj
; Students' Scientific Association in Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Oleg Fedyk
; Students' Scientific Association in Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Dominika Wizner
; Students' Scientific Association in Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Krzysztof Krysta
; Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Abstract
Background: In modern psychiatry, deinstitutionalization of mentally ill became an essential part of improving state of being of
those affected. Integration in community, despite obvious benefits, led to increase in social distance and rejection towards mentally
ill. Social stigma affects different life domains of those afflicted, and therefore it is crucial to introduce methods to deal with it. Our
objective was to assess and compare psychiatrists’ and public attitudes and beliefs about mentally ill people.
Materials and methods: Comparison of two samples, one including 107 psychiatrists and second including 708 individuals of the
general population. Obtained outcomes were collated with similar studies available in literature.
Outcomes: The psychiatrists’ attitude was more positive in comparison to the general population. Both groups agree that
programs raising public awareness are important, and should be intensified. 41% of general population and 13% of respondents
from experts’ group think of negative associations with mentally ill.
Conclusions: Conception of utilizing mental health experts as the opinion leaders should be carefully thought through. Although
awareness of social distance and stigma improved both among psychiatrists and general population since 2005 (Wciorka & Wciorka
2006, Lauber 2004), still there are areas that needs enhancement. Fear present in both groups, probably caused by inter allia image
of mental illness in news reports (Angermeyer 2001), is one of such areas.
Keywords
social stigma; mental health; health policy
Hrčak ID:
264905
URI
Publication date:
30.8.2016.
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