STUDY ON THE SOCIAL DISTANCING TOWARDS PEOPLE WITH MENTAL DISORDERS
STUDY ON THE SOCIAL DISTANCING TOWARDS PEOPLE WITH MENTAL DISORDERS

Summary/Abstract: Our study aimed to investigate the social distance towards people with mental disorders (MD). The ideational process marked by the concept of social distance led to equating this comcept with a lack of openness towards relating to other individuals, perceived to be different as a result of their inclusion in classes set apart from their own group, based on criteria judged to be correct. Thus, the objectives aimed to: Assess the willingness to engage in befriending people with MD; Assess the perception of the level of intelligence, trust, and credibility given to people with MD in society and, in particular, in professional and couple relationships; Identify perceptions on the causes of mental health problems, in particular, the extent to which there is individual responsibility for their occurrence; Identify the extent to which people with MD are discriminated against in society. The study methodology consisted in the completion by the participants of a 12-item questionnaire – the Social Distance Scale (Link 1989). The group of subjects was made up of 329 students from different specializations, enrolled in the psycho-pedagogical training programme, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. Our study confirms that there is a need for more information on mental health issues, as it influences the degree of social distance. It is well-known that people with MD are subject to discrimination, and the consequences of stigma are visible both in accessing health services and in the quality of interpersonal relationships.

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