Bachelor of Social Work Students and Mental Health Stigma: Understanding Student Attitudes

Abstract

Bachelor-level social work students (n = 198) at a midsized Midwestern public university were surveyed to evaluate their attitudes toward those with mental health concerns. Additionally, students were surveyed regarding their willingness to seek treatment for their own mental health needs. Results of the analyses suggest that the majority of students do not hold stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness. Students who believed mental health work is rewarding were less likely to be afraid or uncomfortable around people with mental illness. In addition, these students were more likely to report attitudes that acknowledge the capabilities of people with mental illness and were less concerned with others knowing their own mental health status. Implications for social work education and directions for future research are discussed.

Notes

¹ The 200- and 300-level courses are combined due to the high number of students who take these courses concurrently.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karen T. Zellmann

Karen T. Zellmann is associate professor at Western Illinois University. Elissa E. Madden is assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. Donna M. Aguiniga is assistant professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Elissa E. Madden

Karen T. Zellmann is associate professor at Western Illinois University. Elissa E. Madden is assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. Donna M. Aguiniga is assistant professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Donna M. Aguiniga

Donna M. Aguiniga was a member of the faculty at Western Illinois University when this research was conducted.