Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0003-3013-4088
Abstract
The relationship between familiarity with mental health conditions and mental health stigma is complex, with mixed findings reported in the literature and little research conducted in Ireland to date. This pilot study examined knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism in Ireland, between individuals personally familiar with these conditions (by having a diagnosis themselves, or a loved one having a diagnosis) and individuals unfamiliar with these conditions. The study used a correlational, cross-sectional design, recruiting 307 adults in Ireland to complete a survey examining knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. To examine the relationship between familiarity and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards each condition, we conducted trimmed mean ANOVAs in R. Individuals personally affected by one or more of these conditions showed more positive attitudes (F = 11.92, p < 0.0007) and behaviours (F = 11.33, p < 0.001). Future policy and campaigns could consider familiarity with these conditions as an important target to reduce mental health stigma in Ireland in the future.
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Recommended Citation
Hargreaves, April; Loughnane, Gerard; Grasso, Gabriela; and Mothersill, David
(2024)
"The relationship between familiarity and stigma associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism in Ireland: A pilot study,"
Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies:
Vol. 24:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/ijass/vol24/iss2/2