Stigmatization of People with Schizophrenia: Perspectives of Graduate Students in Various Healthcare Fields

Abstract

Healthcare professionals exhibit stigmatization toward people with schizophrenia, which is an internationally recognized problem. This can negatively impact healthcare of people with schizophrenia. Research has shown that nursing and medical students also have stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals with schizophrenia. However, there has been little research examining graduate students in other healthcare professions. These students are important to assess because they are likely to encounter individuals with schizophrenia in their work. This study examined 113 graduate students in psychology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs. Students completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale, both about themselves and what they believed a person in a narrative with schizophrenia might experience. Students from all programs engaged in stereotyping behavior. Students studying psychology, however, exhibited lower stigmatization compared to other students. This may be due to psychology students’ increased education and experience with people with schizophrenia.

Keywords:

• graduate students
• schizophrenia
• serious mental illness
• stereotypes
• stigma