Abstract
Objective: Previous studies overseas have suggested that the Compeer volunteer companion programme lowers expressions of stigma among volunteers. We used an Australian sample to examine the hypotheses that being a Compeer volunteer is associated with a lower expression of stigma and that stronger Compeer friendships are also associated with lower expressions of stigma.
Method: Volunteers from the Compeer program were surveyed regarding their attitudes to mental illness (using the Social Distance Scale, Affect Scale and Dangerousness Scale), the strength of their Compeer friendship (Match Bond Scale) and previous levels of contact with mental illness (Contact Scale).
Results: Volunteers showed low overall levels of stigma with no demographic variation in stigma levels. Lower levels of stigma were also associated with stronger friendships.
Conclusions: Compared to similar US studies, Compeer volunteers show low overall levels of stigma. Stronger friendship bonds were associated with more positive attitudes.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTs
The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of the volunteers and staff of Compeer NSW especially Tricia Meers, Angela Aldred and Sharon McKinney, for their assistance in completing this study. Thanks are also due to Karen Blyth and Anthony Harris for assistance with the statistics.
Disclosure
This research was supported by an untied grant from the Schizophrenia Fellowship used to fund the incentive coffee vouchers. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.