ERIC Number: EJ858339
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-8225
EISSN: N/A
Initial Evaluation of Active Minds: A Student Organization Dedicated to Reducing the Stigma of Mental Illness
McKinney, Kathleen G.
Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, v23 n4 p281-301 2009
This study examined whether a new student organization, Active Minds, aimed at increasing awareness of "mental illness" and reducing stigma had an impact on students' stigma and willingness to seek psychological help. Three classes were recruited to become involved in the organization. In a pretest/posttest design, stigma and willingness to seek psychological help were compared between students who became involved in Active Minds and students who did not. Students involved in the organization showed a significant reduction in stigma if they had a history of mental illness in their families. However, willingness to seek psychological help was unaffected. The program's partial success is viewed in terms of empowerment and recovery. The peer support provided through Active Minds may help change people's negative attitudes about mental illness and encourage students to help one another in coping with their diagnoses. (Contains 2 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Help Seeking, Negative Attitudes, Mental Disorders, Student Organizations, Consciousness Raising, Comparative Analysis, Counseling, Social Support Groups, Peer Groups, Coping, Clinical Diagnosis, College Students
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A