J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2012 Jul;51(4):210-217.

Comparison of Stigma according to the Term Used for Schizophrenia : Split-Mind Disorder vs. Attunement Disorder

• Kim SW
• Jang JE
• Kim JM
• Shin IS
• Ban DH
• Choi B
• Chung SA
• Yoon JS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
In Korea, the term for schizophrenia has been changed from 'split-mind disorder' to 'attunement disorder'. This study compared the stigma of, and prejudice against, people with schizophrenia, according to use of the term 'split-mind disorder' or 'attunement disorder'.
METHODS
We conducted a survey of 360 college students majoring in nursing science in order to assess their prejudice regarding the danger posed by schizophrenia and discrimination regarding relationships and privileges for patients with schizophrenia using the social stigma scale and the discrimination scale for patients with mental illness, respectively. Study subjects were randomly divided into two groups, and the same scales were assigned to each group using different instructions, beginning with either 'split-mind disorder' or 'attunement disorder'.
RESULTS
In multivariate analysis, scores for prejudice with regard to the danger posed by, and discrimination against, patients with schizophrenia were significantly higher in the group assigned the term split-mind disorder, compared with the term attunement disorder. Scores for discrimination with regard to relationships and privileges were significantly lower for subjects with experience to contact the mentally ill, compared to those without such experience.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that renaming split-mind disorder as attunement disorder can result in reduced prejudice and discrimination against people with schizophrenia. In addition to renaming schizophrenia, implementation of anti-stigma campaigns, including contact with schizophrenia patients, may help to reduce discrimination against them.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Attunement disorder; Stigma; Prejudice; Renaming

MeSH Terms

Discrimination (Psychology)
Humans
Korea
Mentally Ill Persons
Multivariate Analysis
Prejudice
Schizophrenia
Social Stigma
Weights and Measures

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Agreement of stigma scale items according to the term used for schizophrenia. Dangerous individual : Patients with schizophrenia are dangerous individuals and are unpredictable, Against marriage : I would not agree if a member of my family wanted to marry an individual who suffered from schizophrenia, Driving restriction : patients with schizophrenia should not drive a car, Frightening word : I am fearful when I hear the word 'schizophrenia (split-mind disorder or attunement disorder)'. * : p<0.05, *** : p<0.001.

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