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Influences on young people's stigmatising attitudes towards peers with mental disorders: national survey of young Australians and their parents
- Authors:
- JORM Anthony F., WRIGHT AnneMarie
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 192(2), February 2008, pp.144-149.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
A national telephone survey was carried out with 3746 people aged 12–25 years and 2005 co-resident parents. Stigmatising attitudes were assessed in relation to four vignettes (depression, depression with alcohol misuse, social phobia and psychosis). Stigma was found to have multiple components labelled `social distance', `dangerous/unpredictable', `weak not sick', `stigma perceived in others' and `reluctance to disclose'. Exposure to mental disorders and help-seeking in oneself or others was associated with lower scores on some components of stigma but not on others. Young people's attitudes showed specific associations with those of parents. Exposure to campaigns was associated with reductions in beliefs that the person is `weak not sick'. Personal experiences, parental attitudes and campaigns all affect stigmatising attitudes.
Public recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment: changes in Australia over 16 years
- Authors:
- REAVLEY Nicola, JORM Anthony F.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(5), May 2012, pp.419-425.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
In 1995 an Australian national survey of mental health literacy showed poor recognition of disorders and beliefs about treatment that differed from those of health professionals. A similar survey carried out in 2003/4 showed some improvements over 8 years. This study investigated whether recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment have changed over a 16-year period. A national survey of 6019 adults was carried out in 2011 using the same questions as in the two previous surveys. Results showed improved recognition of depression and more positive ratings for a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals and antidepressants. It is concluded that, although beliefs about effective medications and interventions have moved closer to those of health professionals since the previous surveys, there is still potential for mental health literacy gains in the areas of recognition and treatment beliefs for mental disorders. This is particularly the case for schizophrenia.