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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-04-2006 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Determinants that shape public attitudes towards the mentally ill

A Dutch public study*

Authors: Job T.B. van ‘t Veer, Herro F. Kraan, Stans H.C. Drosseart, Jacqueline M. Modde

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 4/2006

Abstract

Background

The stigmatisation of the mentally ill is considered a well-established fact. To improve negative attitudes among the general public, we need to identify the factors that cause them. Drawing from previous studies, we combined a variety of variables to examine a comprehensive explanative model.

Objectives

We examined a sample of the Dutch public on their willingness to interact with mental patients. We examined a number of determinants concerning their influence on levels of social distance: demographical characteristics of the public, their beliefs about stereotypes of mental patients, their beliefs about causes of mental problems, their familiarity with mental illness.

Methods

We employed a questionnaire survey among two sub-samples of the Dutch public (n = 812, response 33%).

Results

Attributing psychiatric problems to structural causes (i.e. causes beyond patients’ control and responsibility, such as genetic transmission) is associated with less social distance. Conversely, attribution to individual factors (e.g. drug abuse) related to more distant attitudes. Stereotypical beliefs about mental patients (e.g. untrustworthiness, aggressiveness, causing disturbances) relate to more social distance from mental patients.

Conclusions

Results implied that our comprehensive model explains only a modest amount of variance, but shows that to improve public mental health literacy and attitudes should first deal with the most negative stereotypical beliefs.

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Title: Determinants that shape public attitudes towards the mentally ill
A Dutch public study*
Authors: Job T.B. van ‘t Veer
Herro F. Kraan
Stans H.C. Drosseart
Jacqueline M. Modde
Publication date: 01-04-2006
Publisher: Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 4/2006
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-005-0015-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Determinants that shape public attitudes towards the mentally ill

A Dutch public study*

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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