Longitudinal Study of Student Attitudes Toward People with Mental Illness

Abstract

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of students (n = 36) in an undergraduate occupational therapy program toward people with mental illness and physical disabilities, and the effect of educational experiences on attitudes. Method. Two attitude scales, the Attitude Toward Disabled Persons (ATDP-A) and Opinions About Mental Illness (OMI), were administered to participants over a three year period. Results. The study revealed a significant difference in attitudes toward people with mental illness compared to attitudes toward people with physical disabilities. At the end of occupational therapy education, attitudes toward people with mental illness were more favorable than at the start of course work, but less so than those towards people with physical disabilities. Attitudes changed in a negative direction after a level I mental health fieldwork. Academic course work was more effective in producing favorable attitudes for participants whose initial attitude was least favorable, and level II fieldwork was most effective in achieving favorable attitudes for participants whose initial attitude was in the mid-range. Favorable attitudes towards people with mental illness was not predictive of first job employment in a mental health setting. Conclusions. These findings suggest occupational therapy students hold less favorable attitudes towards people with mental illness. Educational programs may need to implement specific strategies to overcome the stigma of mental illness to achieve the goal of valuing all individuals with disabilities. Key Words: Attitudeeducationmental disorders