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Fighting psychiatric stigma in the classroom: The impact of an educational intervention on secondary school students’ attitudes to schizophrenia

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  • M. Economou
  • E. Louki
  • L. E. Peppou
  • C. Gramandani
  • L. Yotis
  • C. N. Stefanis

Abstract

Background: Adolescents constitute an appealing target group for fighting stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness, since it is during this developmental period that adult attitudes about mental illness are formed and consolidated. Aim: The aim of the present study was twofold, to explore adolescents’ beliefs and attitudes to schizophrenia and to evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-stigma intervention in altering them. Methods: A total of 616 high school students participated in the study, divided into a control condition and an anti-stigma intervention group. Data were collected at three time points: before the intervention, upon its completion and at a 12-month follow-up. Results: Baseline measurements indicated that students espoused certain stereotypical beliefs about patients with schizophrenia and were reluctant to interact with them on some occasions. Upon completion of the intervention, positive changes were recorded in students’ beliefs, attitudes and desired social distance; however, only the changes in beliefs and attitudes were maintained after one year. Conclusion: For anti-stigma interventions to be effective, they should be continuously delivered to students throughout the school years and allow for an interaction between students and patients. Health promotion programmes might be an appropriate context for incorporating such interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Economou & E. Louki & L. E. Peppou & C. Gramandani & L. Yotis & C. N. Stefanis, 2012. "Fighting psychiatric stigma in the classroom: The impact of an educational intervention on secondary school students’ attitudes to schizophrenia," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(5), pages 544-551, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:58:y:2012:i:5:p:544-551
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764011413678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marina Economou & Clive Richardson & Christina Gramandani & Anastassios Stalikas & Costas Stefanis, 2009. "Knowledge About Schizophrenia and Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia in Greece," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 55(4), pages 361-371, July.
    2. Patrick W. Corrigan & Amy C. Watson, 2007. "How Children Stigmatize People With Mental Illness," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 53(6), pages 526-546, November.
    3. Chan, Jenny Y.N. & Mak, Winnie W.S. & Law, Lawrence S.C., 2009. "Combining education and video-based contact to reduce stigma of mental illness: "The Same or Not the Same" anti-stigma program for secondary schools in Hong Kong," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(8), pages 1521-1526, April.
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