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Social psychology: Altruism · Attribution · Attitudes · Conformity · Discrimination · Groups · Interpersonal relations · Obedience · Prejudice · Norms · Perception · Index · Outline
Attitudes toward mental disorders underpins the treatment people receive in society.
Studies of attitudes[]
Stigma and mental health[]
By country[]
Position in UK[]
Research[1] has recently been carried out to survey attitudes towards mental illness among adults in England. This survey is carried out by TNS on an annual basis to monitor public attitudes towards mental illness, and to track changes over time.
1,751 adults (aged 16+) were interviewed by TNS in January 2009. The questionnaire included a number of statements about mental illness which covered a wide range of issues from attitudes towards people with mental illness, opinions on services for mental health and personal experiences.
The results show that there have been several changes between 2008 and 2009 many of these highlight a greater tolerance towards mental illness and a better understanding of mental health. 77% of people agreed with the statement that mental illness is an illness like any other, and 76% agreed that people with mental illness have for far too long been the subject of ridicule.
Since 2008 opinions have moved more in favour of integrating people with mental illness into the community, as around seven out of ten people surveyed would be willing to live nearby or work with someone with a mental health problem. The majority of people surveyed believe that mental health problems can be treated, with three out of five respondents agreeing that people with severe problems can fully recover.