Genetic counselors' attitudes towards individuals with schizophrenia: Desire for social distance and endorsement of stereotypes

PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING

卷:82

Article

Feret, Holly²  Conway, Laura²  Austin, Jehannine C.^1,3 

[1] Univ British Columbia, Dept Psychiat, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada

[2] Arcadia Univ, Genet Counseling Dept, Glenside, SK, Canada

[3] Univ British Columbia, Dept Med Genet, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada

关键词: Stigma;    Mental illness;    Psychiatric disorder;    Genetic counseling;    Schizophrenia;    Social distance;    Stereotype;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.pec.2010.02.007

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Objective: Psychiatric disorders are profoundly stigmatized conditions. Many groups of healthcare professionals harbor negative attitudes towards affected individuals, which may interfere with the healthcare relationship, but genetic counselors' attitudes towards individuals with psychiatric disorders have not been investigated. Thus, we conducted an exploratory study to assess genetic counselors' desire for social distance from individuals with schizophrenia, and the degree to which stereotypes about people with schizophrenia were endorsed. Methods: Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors were invited to complete an online survey, which included scales measuring: desire for social distance from individuals with schizophrenia, and endorsement of positive and negative stereotypes about these individuals. Results: In total, 142 surveys were completed. Genetic counselors expressed greater desire for social distance from an individual with schizophrenia in more intimate proposed relationship scenarios, and felt negative stereotypes about affected individuals were more typifying than positive stereotypes. Experience with psychiatric disorders did not significantly affect desired social distance or stereotypical attitudes. Conclusions: Genetic counselors express some negative attitudes towards individuals with schizophrenia, which may impede the counselor/client relationship. Future research in this area is suggested. Practice implications: Efforts should be made to promote positive attitudes, which would improve the ability of genetic counselors to provide optimal service for individuals with schizophrenia and their families. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free