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Public knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding people with mental illness in England 2009-2012
- Authors:
- EVANS-LACKO Sara, HENDERSON Claire, THORNICROFT Graham
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(s55), April 2013, pp.s51-s57.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Public stigma against people with mental health problems is damaging to individuals with mental illness and is associated with substantial societal burden. This study investigates whether public knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to people with mental health problems have improved among the English population since the inception of the Time To Change programme in 2009. Longitudinal trends in public knowledge, attitudes and behaviour between 2009 and 2012 among a nationally representative sample of English adults were examined. Results found improvements in intended behaviour and a non-significant trend for improvement in attitudes among the English population. There was, however, no significant improvement in knowledge or reported behaviour. The findings provide support for effectiveness of the national Time to Change programme against stigma and discrimination in improving attitudes and intended behaviour, but not knowledge, among the public in England. (Edited publisher abstract)
Actions speak louder: tackling discrimination against people with mental illness
- Author:
- THORNICROFT Graham
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 77p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The report criticises the government's mental health anti-stigma campaign, entitled Shift and launched in 2004, for offering policymakers few recommendations for action to combat discrimination. Instead of pumping millions of pounds trying to change society's negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems, more effort should be made to ensure that anti-discrimination law actually protects such people against prejudice. Specifically, the Disability Discrimination Act should be used to protect those with a mental health diagnosis in the same way it does those with a physical disability. The act has been framed primarily in relation to physical disability, and does little to help people with mental health problems. The report lays out actions that policy-makers and campaigners, including Shift, which is run by the National Institute for Mental Health, should make to end discrimination against people with mental health problems. Suggestions include employers allowing the mentally ill not to work if impaired by medication, and providing them with an "external job coach" for counselling and support. The report also suggests modifying employment contracts for those people likely to be unwell for prolonged periods.