Graduate social work students’ perceptions and attitude toward mental illness: implications for practice in developing countries

ABSTRACT

Mental health stigma is an integral part of the problems faced by individuals diagnosed with mental illness in developing countries. Though Ghana enacted a new Mental Health Law (Act 846) in 2012 with emphasis on community-based care, concerns persist as social workers tend to distance themselves from the field. For CBC to succeed, social workers must opt for a career in the mental healthcare field. The question that arises is how willing social work students are to pursue a career in mental health. The paper explores the perceptions and attitudes of Graduate Social Work students towards mental illness and people living with mental illness. Socio-cultural and religious beliefs about mental illness continue to dominate perceptions about mental illness and fuel stigma. Many social work students are reluctant or unwilling to work with persons living with mental illness due to such beliefs and negative personal experiences. Opportunities to engage positively with persons living with mental illness, and inclusion of core courses in mental health in social work curricular could pave the way for minimising stigma and getting more professionals interested in a career in mental health.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental illness
• Stigma
• Social Work
• Ghana