Comparison of the Effects of Video-Based Contact and Educational Lectures on the Stigma of Mental Illness in College Students

Kim, Dong Jin; Kim, Chul Kwon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of video-based contact with educational lectures on the stigma of mental illness and to follow-up to determine any changes in their effects on college students.
METHODS
A total of 107 college students were randomly assigned to either an education group (n=50) or a video-based contact group (n=57). All were completed pre-tested, post-tested, and subjected to three month follow-up measures using the Community Attitudes to the Mentally Ill Inventory (CAMI).
RESULTS
The video-based contact group showed significant positive improvement in the subtypes authoritarianism, social restrictiveness, and community mental health ideology of the CAMI at posttest and three month follow-up. The education group also showed significant positive improvement in subtypes social restrictiveness and community mental health ideology of the CAMI; however, its effects were limited only after education. There were no significant changes in the benevolence subtype of the CAMI in either group at post-test and three month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
In comparison with education that utilizes lectures, the video-based contact showed more effectiveness in decreasing the stigma of mental illness and its effects were evident at posttest and three month follow-up.