Attitudes of University students towards people with mental health problems

Abstract

This research explores the attitudes of students at the University of Malta towards people with mental health problems. The effect of various factors on attitudes namely psychiatric labels, demographics, contact with individuals with mental health problems and media consumption, were investigated. A standardized questionnaire was administered to a sample of 300 students. The results indicate that psychiatric labels effect attitudes, as does gender, age and television consumption. Newspaper consumption and contact were not found to influence attitudes. The results are discussed in view of the extensive literature on the subject. Recommendations are made for policy, service development and further research, setting the stage for the development of more inclusive communities.