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Attitudes of Health Students towards People with Serious Mental Disorders

Abstract:

Introduction: The study focused on analyzing the perceptions of health students toward people with severe mental disorders, given that this type of diagnosis is relevant in the healthcare field. Materials and methods: A descriptive and phenomenological qualitative approach was used, conducting semi-structured interviews with 19 psychology and dentistry students from a higher education institution, using a specific thematic script. Subsequently, a semantic content analysis of the interviews was carried out to identify students’ attitudes, beliefs, experiences, and knowledge toward people with severe mental disorders. Results: The presence of stereotypes, lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and discriminatory behaviors were revealed, as well as factors that contribute to their formation and possible perpetuation among health students. Conclusions: The importance of addressing stigma in the training of health students is highlighted, proposing that adequate education and positive practical experiences are key strategies for reducing stereotypes and fostering a more accurate and empathetic understanding of people with mental health problems.