J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2017 Mar;26(1):24-35. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2017.26.1.24.

Public Attitudes toward Mental Illness: Q-Methodological Approach

• Kim JH
• Kim BH

• KMID: 2397821
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2017.26.1.24

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to identify public attitudes toward mental illness, and to use Q methodology to build understanding of the differences among these attitude types.
METHODS
Q Methodology was used to examine the public's attitude on mental illness. Thirty participants classified 33 selected Q-statements on a seven-point scale to create a normal distribution. The collected data were analyzed by using the PC QUANL program.
RESULTS
Four types of attitudes toward mental illness were identified. Type I was named "˜Pursuing positive attention and patience regarding serious human rights'; type II, "˜Demanding the abolishing of prejudice through various media', type III, "˜Emphasizing social responsibility at a distance from mental illness', and type IV, "˜Focusing on reversible treatment of the disease'.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the general public has presented a nursing intervention strategy that can provide support that allows for a positive recognition of mental disorders in accordance with the characteristics of each type.

Keyword

Mental disorders; Attitude; Perception

MeSH Terms

Humans
Mental Disorders
Nursing
Prejudice
Social Responsibility

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