Stigma of Schizophrenia: Assessing Attitudes among European University Students

Abstract

Stigma creates a barrier in the recovery from severe mental illness such as schizophrenia. Although stigmatising behaviour can be observed both among the general public and healthcare professionals, little is known about stigmatisation towards people with schizophrenia (PwS) among university students. This study will target psychology students, medical students and students of subjects not directly associated with healthcare professions in seven European countries (Bulgaria, Denmark, England, Ireland, Malta, Slovenia and Switzerland). The aims of the current study are to explore the stigma held by students in the aforementioned countries, and any possible differences between students of health-related and non health-related subjects. Furthermore, potential differences between those that have taken a module in psychopathology and/or schizophrenia will be considered. Measures assessing knowledge, contact, negative emotions and desired social distance were distributed in an online format.