Stigma toward individuals with intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders: analysis of postgraduate university students’ perceptions
| Date | 27 August 2024 |
| Pages | 125-139 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-04-2024-0012 |
| Published date | 27 August 2024 |
| Author | Alvaro Moraleda Ruano,Diego Galán-Casado |
Stigma toward individuals with intellectual
disabilities and severe mental disorders:
analysis of postgraduate university
students’perceptions
Alvaro Moraleda Ruano and Diego Gal
an-Casado
Abstract
Purpose –The purposeof this study is to delve into societal stigma surroundingsevere mental disorders
and intellectualdisabilities, emphasizinggender differences and students’ proximityinfluence.
Design/methodology/approach –Involving572 Spanish master’s students, this nonexperimentalstudy
categorizes participants based on contact frequency, using Goratu and CAEE questionnaires to
measurestigma.
Findings –Gender-based stigma differences are absent; however, increased contact correlates with
lower stigma levels. Notably, greater closeness is associatedwith more positive attitudes toward
intellectualdisability, resulting in diminishedstigma toward severe mental disorders.
Practical implications –This research sheds light on the pervasive stigma faced by individuals with
intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders among postgraduate university students. Notably,
the recognition of widespread stigma among individuals with higher education highlights a more
significant societal problem. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions,
especiallyin higher education contexts, to enhance understandingand reduce societal bias.
Social implications –By identifying factors influencing stigma and emphasizing the importance of
contact in fostering empathy, the study lays the groundwork for informed socioeducational strategies.
These strategies have the potential to promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes and contribute to the
well-beingand social integration of those affected by intellectualdisabilities and severe mental disorders.
Originality/value –The findings highlight the efficacy of direct contact in reducing stigma and
underscore the necessity for nuanced understanding. The study suggests fostering positiveattitudes
through increased contact can combat prejudice and promote social inclusion. Nevertheless, further
research is crucial to explore factors influencing stigma reduction and design comprehensive
socioeducationalinterventions addressing diversecultural proficiencies. This study contributesvaluable
insightsfor mitigating stigma, fostering inclusivityand informing future interventions.
Keywords Stigma, Intellectual disability, Severe mental disorder, Gender, Psychological well-being
Paper type Research paper
Clinical impact statement
Our research sheds light on the pervasive stigma faced by individuals with intellectual
disabilities and severe mental disorders among postgraduate university students. Notably,
the recognition of widespread stigma among individuals with higher education highlights a
more significant societal problem. Our findings underscore the urgent need for targeted
interventions, especially in higher education contexts, to enhance understanding and
reduce societal bias. By identifying factors influencing stigma and emphasizing the
importance of contact in fostering empathy, our study lays the groundwork for informed
Alvaro Moraleda Ruano is
based at University Camilo
Jose Cela, Villanueva de la
Can
˜ada, Spain.
Diego Gal
an-Casado is
based at the Department of
Educational Theory and
Social Pedagogy, UNED,
Madrid, Spain.
Received 11 April 2024
Revised 2 June 2024
Accepted 26 July 2024
DOI 10.1108/AMHID-04-2024-0012 VOL. 18 NO. 32024, pp. 125-139, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 jADVANCES IN MENTALHEAL TH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES jPAGE 125
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