Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism: a pilot study

Mothersill, David, Loughnane, Gerard M., Grasso, Gabriela and Hargreaves, April (2021) Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism: a pilot study. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine. pp. 1-7. ISSN 2051-6967

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Abstract

Objectives
Lack of knowledge and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours towards individuals with mental disorders is a worldwide problem but may be particularly damaging for young people. This pilot study examined knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism within a large sample of adults in Ireland, a country with the youngest population in Europe, in order to better understand public views on these groups.

Methods
In a correlational, cross-sectional design, 307 adults in Ireland over the age of 18 completed a questionnaire over Google Forms examining knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Responses to questions specifically relating to each diagnosis were compared using trimmed mean ANOVA to examine whether responses to questions differed depending on diagnosis.

Results
Results indicate varied knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards these groups, but a majority believe it should be a research priority. ANOVA and post hoc tests revealed significant differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards each of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism (p < 0.005), and reported attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia were more negative than either bipolar disorder or autism. A majority of participants (54.8%) felt not informed enough about mental health by the media.

Conclusions
In our Irish sample, type and level of stigma varies according to mental health diagnosis. Our sample also report feeling inadequately informed about mental health by the media. Thus future policy and campaigns could consider targeting individual mental health diagnoses, with a focus on increasing familiarity and knowledge.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ireland; Mental disorder stigma; autism; bipolar disorder; schizophrenia
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2021 16:52
Last Modified:	03 May 2022 15:04
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5187

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