Changes in the Perception of Mental Illness and Mental Health

Abstract

This study investigated changes in the perception of models of mental illness and mental health on the responses to a 25 item semantic differential scale in groups of subjects in a course in abnormal psychology and in several encounter-sensitivity training groups. Test findings before and after the experience, indicated that the participative emotional experience and intellectual cognitive experiences did not modify abstract models held by individuals concerning mental illness and normality. These findings have implications for community mental health services and the author suggested placing greater and greater emphasis on direct community services and less emphasis on public education and public information.