Looking below the surface : developing critical literacy skills to reduce the stigma of mental disorders

Although clinicians and the public are more informed about the factors that give rise to mental disorders,stigmatization does not seem to be abating. This article argues for one solution: altering the way studentsare taught, moving beyond content toward a focus on enticing attitudinal shifts, such as empathy and personalcommitment to social change. This article describes a strategy for learners to develop critical literacyskills and to acknowledge and develop their role in encouraging students to become critical agents whopossess the knowledge and courage to struggle against despair and to embrace hope.