Social Distance from Mental Illness Among Counseling, Social Work, and Psychology Students and Helping Professionals

Authors

  • Douglas R. Tillman University of Nebraska Kearney
  • David D. Hof University of Nebraska Kearney
  • Aiste Pranckeviciene Vytautas Magnus University
  • Auksė Endriulaitienė Vytautas Magnus University
  • Rasa Markšaitytė Vytautas Magnus University
  • Kristina Žardeckaitė-Matulaitienė Vytautas Magnus University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33043/JSACP.10.1.24-37

Keywords:

social distance from people with mental illness, counselors, social workers, psychologists

Abstract

Negative stereotypes of people with mental illness may lead to stigma of those with mental illness, impacting their self-confidence and willingness to seek mental health treatment. Few studies have looked at the health professional’s role and the impact they may have on the stigmatization process of people with mental illness. The purpose of this article was to better understand the concept of social distance among individuals in the helping professions of counseling, social work, and psychology. A total of 305 students and 95 professionals from counseling, social work and psychology participated in this study. Results revealed that counseling, social work, and psychology students, and helping professionals do not differ in their need for social distance from people with mental illness. Helping professionals reported significantly more social distance from people with mental health problems in close personal relationships, compared to their social relationships. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in social distance observed as a function of professional experience.

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Published

2018-12-28

How to Cite

Tillman, D. R., Hof, D. D., Pranckeviciene, A., Endriulaitienė, A., Markšaitytė, R., & Žardeckaitė-Matulaitienė, K. (2018). Social Distance from Mental Illness Among Counseling, Social Work, and Psychology Students and Helping Professionals. Journal for Social Action in Counseling & Psychology, 10(1), 24–37. https://doi.org/10.33043/JSACP.10.1.24-37

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