Title
Interpersonal contact and acceptance of persons with psychiatric disorders: a research synthesis
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Publication Date
1996-12
Document Type
Article
Subjects
Humans; *Interpersonal Relations; Mental Disorders; Mental Health Services
Disciplines
Medical Education | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
This meta-analytic review predicted and confirmed that interpersonal contact between mental health employees or students and persons diagnosed with psychiatric disorders is associated with improved attitudes toward the latter group. As also predicted, the amount of attitude change was found to be smaller, although still significant, when the evaluative measure described a group of the "mentally ill" rather than specific individuals, and when the respondents were mental health employees rather than students. Contrary to predictions, contact interventions of longer duration were not associated with greater attitude changes. It is concluded that contact interventions occurring in mental health settings are effective in promoting attitude changes toward persons with psychiatric disorders, and methodological refinements that should strengthen the effectiveness of future contact interventions are outlined.
DOI of Published Version
10.1037/0022-006X.64.6.1387
Source
J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996 Dec;64(6):1387-96. DOI 10.1037/0022-006X.64.6.1387
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Journal of consulting and clinical psychology
Related Resources
PubMed ID
8991325
Repository Citation
Kolodziej ME, Johnson BT. (1996). Interpersonal contact and acceptance of persons with psychiatric disorders: a research synthesis. Psychiatry Publications and Presentations. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.64.6.1387. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/psych_pp/614
Comments
At the time of publication, Monika Kolodziej was not yet affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.