Young people's stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental disorders: Findings from an Australian national survey

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out a national survey in order to assess young people's stigmatizing attitudes towards people with depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis/schizophrenia. Method: In 2011, telephone interviews were carried out with 3021 Australians aged between 15 and 25 years. Participants were presented with a case vignette describing either depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, depression with alcohol misuse, psychosis/schizophrenia, social phobia or PTSD. Questions were asked about stigmatizing attitudes, including personal and perceived stigma and desire for social distance. Results: Across all disorders, respondents were least likely to agree th..