Opinions of Faculty Members Regarding Mental Illnesses and Patients

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the attitudes and behaviours of faculty members in regard to mental illnesses and patients. Methods: The study population included 435 faculty members working in four-year faculties of Mersin University during the 2010-2011 academic year. The study sample consisted of 284 faculty members who agreed to participate in the study. Of the participants, 68.7% were in the 35-50 age group, 56.7% were male, 93.7% had lived in an urban area for the majority of their lives, and 54.3% had been employed for 10-20 years. Data were collected using the Opinions about Mental Illness Scale (OMI) and a personal questionnaire. Data were then analysed using MedCalc statistical software, Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t test, analysis of variance, Tukey's test, chi-square test, and Z-test. Results: Faculty members who had friends or relatives with a mental illness demonstrated a protective and compassionate approach towards mental patients. In comparison with the female respondents, a higher proportion of the male faculty members believed that mental illnesses stem from a lack of parental love and attention, especially in early childhood. Furthermore, 31% of respondents believed that individuals with mental disorders were aggressive, and 84.2% of them believed that traumatic events were the primary cause of mental illnesses. Conclusion: This study concluded that additional training regarding mental illnesses should be given to faculty members.