Despite efforts to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness since the 18th century, it still obstructs treatment in society. Throughout history, people with mental illness have faced stigmatization, meaning they are labeled as shameful and excluded from others. As a result, this stigma causes unease and hinders conversations about mental illness, disability, and addiction.
Why does society dismiss or mock mental illness, despite the fact that it can lead to limited funding for services and public education, difficulties in finding employment, and discourage individuals from seeking treatment or recognizing symptoms? Mocking these things is a way people use to reduce their threat, but it ultimately contributes to silence and lack of understanding about mental illness.
One of the main reasons for this is cultural beliefs related to mental illness. The media’s portrayal of mental illness, using visuals and derogatory language, reinforces the idea that it is a type of insanity that cannot be cured. Consequently, people with mental illness are frequently perceived by society as unpredictable, accountable for their unconventional thoughts and behavior, unable to think logically, and possibly hazardous. Because these beliefs are widespread throughout different levels of society, it is not surprising that individuals with mental illness often face social exclusion and isolation.
Recent research has shown that individuals with mental illness face widespread stigmatization in society. This stigma is comparable to the discrimination faced by those with other stigmatized conditions such as blindness, cancer, dwarfism, and leprosy (Byrene, 1997; Link et al., 1997; Jorm et al., 1999; Porter, 1998).
In Amritsar, a study conducted by Neki (1966) and supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that a considerable part of the population stigmatizes and isolates individuals with mental illness. This negative attitude is worsened by a lack of scientific understanding about mental disorders (Wolff et al., 1996). In contrast, cross-sectional studies have indicated that people who possess more knowledge about mental illness are less inclined to hold stigmatizing beliefs (Link et al., 1997).
The perception of mental illness among college students is unique as their attitudes and values greatly impact society’s view of psychiatric disorders. Multiple studies consistently show that people in general tend to fear, hold negative opinions towards, and isolate individuals who have experienced mental health issues. This stigmatization is evident in society. College campuses, given their significant influence on societal attitudes, provide an ideal setting for implementing comprehensive mental health programs.
According to the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment, approximately 75% of mental disorders occur before the age of 24. The assessment revealed that depression impacted 17.5% of college students, while anxiety disorder affected 12.7%. These conditions were ranked as the fifth most prevalent barrier to academic success. Additionally, symptoms of ADHD hindered the academic performance of 7.5% of students.
In a study conducted in 2007, it was discovered that around 30% of college students felt they needed mental health services and nearly half believed that medication was beneficial for treating depression.
RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY Indian studies reveal that there is a significant lack of accurate knowledge about mental health among the general population, including educated urban communities. This lack of understanding has resulted in misconceptions and biases against individuals with mental illness, viewing them as confrontational, hazardous, and socially unacceptable. As a result, there is a prevailing inclination to promote social isolation and marginalize them from society.
There have been multiple studies that have found a significant amount of misconceptions, superstitions, and lack of knowledge about mental illness in society. This has further distorted the perception of this issue. Recognizing the importance of students in shaping society’s future foundation, the current study aims to examine college students’ attitudes towards the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The methodology of this study includes several objectives. Firstly, it seeks to investigate demographic factors such as age, locality, and socio-economic status among boys and girls in degree colleges. Secondly, it aims to assess mental illness stigma among boys and girls in degree colleges. Lastly, it intends to examine mental illness among boys and girls from different educational streams in degree colleges.
The sample for this study will consist of 200 students – 100 boys and 100 girls aged between 17-20 years old. These students are currently pursuing their college education in various streams. Participants will be selected using random sampling techniques from different colleges located in Jammu province.
This study will take place across degree colleges throughout Jammu province. To collect data, specially designed socio-demographic data sheets will be used for this study.
The Opinion about Mental Illness Scale (Cohen and Struening, 1962) will be used in the study to collect socio-demographic information and gather subjects’ perspectives on mental illness. This scale comprises of 51 items that assess attitudes towards mental illness, including its causes and treatments. It is divided into five factors: authoritarianism, benevolence, mental hygiene, social restrictiveness, and interpersonal etiology. Each item presents individuals with six response options: strongly agree, agree, not sure but probably agree, not sure but probably disagree, disagree, and strongly disagree.
The test will assign a specific set of items to categorize each factor or dimension. The responses to these items, whether positive or negative, will be rated on a scale of 1 (strongly agree) to 6 (strongly disagree). The calculation of the factor score depends on the assigned number on the agree-disagree scale for each item.
Statistical analysis of the collected data will involve Mean, S. D., Z test (Critical Ratio for large sample), and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. These methods will assist in analyzing and interpreting the data.
A limitation of this study is that it includes a sample size comprising 100 boys and 100 girls, which may restrict generalization of findings to the entire population.
Moreover, the text does not evaluate how other factors such as causal attribution towards mental illness and the perception of parents and teachers regarding mental illness impact the results. The information gathered solely relies on self-reporting, implying that students may have provided inaccurate responses. To improve this study, it could be repeated with a larger sample size and by incorporating a broader range of geographical areas. Furthermore, organizing a community education program can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in the community.
