Public Attitude towards Mental Illness in Bangalore: An Exploratory Study
Keywords:
Public Attitude, Rehabilitation, Mental IllnessAbstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the attitudes towards people with mental illness in the city of Bangalore. The sample consisted of 400 people living in different parts of the city. They were assessed on socio-demographic data sheet, Orientation to Mental Illness Scale, Exposure, Knowledge and Social Distance Scale and Attitudes towards Mental Illness Scale. The Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Student t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Pearson’s correlation and Step-wise Multiple Regression Analysis. The study reveals that the common man had neutral orientation to mental illness and is moderate in their attitudes to mental illness. However, many were not informed regarding legal provisions available for the mentally ill and rehabilitation services existing in the community. Although the public was fairly low on social distance, this did not apply to intimate relationships such as sharing a room or marriage. Socio-demographic factors, especially like that of education, had an impact on the attitudes of many to mental illness, with the higher educated being better aware and more positive towards the mentally ill. The study brings out the need for programmes to raise the awareness among the ordinary citizen on various aspects of mental illness including existing legal provisions for the mentally ill in the community and rehabilitation services.
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