The silence of mental health issues within university environments : a quantitative study
journal contribution
posted on 2017-12-06, 00:00authored byDianne Wynaden, Margaret McallisterMargaret Mcallister, J Tohotoa, K Heslop, R Duggan, S Murray, Brenda Happell, Louise Byrne
A descriptive study was used to examine the attitudes and experiences of staff and students towards mental health problems. Staff completed the "Attitude towards mental illness survey", and students who self-identified having a mental health problem completed the "Stigma scale". Using an online collection process, data from 270 staff and 201 students showed that the "silence" surrounding mental health problems permeates the university environment and impacts on help seeking behaviors, the provision of support and on the recovery and wellbeing of affected individuals. Universities must decrease stigma and foster social inclusion to build self-esteem in people who have mental health problems.
Funding
Category 1 - Australian Competitive Grants (this includes ARC, NHMRC)