A preliminary investigation into the knowledge of and attitudes toward the legal rights of mental patients

Abstract

Three questionnaires assessing attitudes toward and knowledge of the legal rights of mental patients were distributed to mental health workers in the state of New Jersey. Attitudes of all groups toward the issues presented in the questionnaires were generally favorable. However, knowledge of the legal rights of mental patients, as assessed by the questionnaire, was considered to be deficient. Nurses and psychiatrists scored significantly higher on this questionnaire than the three other groups of mental health workers. Implications for the education of mental health workers in this area are discussed.