J Nurs Acad Soc.  1976 Jun;6(1):1-11.

A Comparative Study of Attitude of Teachers and General Public Toward Mental Health

• Yu SJ

Abstract

In an attempt to recognize attitudes of teachers and general public toward mental health, 111 teachers of middle and high school and 130 general public were selected for this study from September 6 , 1975 to October 18, 1975. Date were collected through "Mental Health Questionnaire" designed by Nunnally. Results of the study were as follows: 1 . The selected teacher group and general public group revealed almost similar attitudes toward psychotic patients, that is, positive aspects for employment problems and relationship toward other persons. 2, Both teacher group and general public group revealed the same attitudes toward neurotic patients, felt relatively more reliance on them, and showed much more positive attitudes toward neurotic patients than psychotic patients. 3 . Both groups indicated that, for the security of mental health, It is best way to show him the right path and make sure that he follows it. As to mental health, most of the selective subjects consulted with psychiatrist about the problems and obtained the information through books. 4 . Both teacher group and general public group identified mental illness being equal in seriousness to alcoholism or cardiac disease. In case of a close relative living in their home having mental disease, most of them responded to be glad to help him. 5. Both teacher group and general public group revealed intensively negative attitudes toward mental hospital, in order of despair, danger, and filth, while positive attitudes toward psychiatrist.

MeSH Terms

Alcoholism
Employment
Heart Diseases
Hospitals, Psychiatric
Humans
Mental Health*
Psychiatry