| Autor: |
Adams KS; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors)., Tost JR; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors)., Whatley MA; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors)., Brown MC; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors)., Dochney BJ; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors)., Taylor JM; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors)., Neal MH; Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (all authors). |
| Abstrakt: |
This study assessed the influence of Christian beliefs on attitudes toward people with mental illness. Participants (N=204) provided demographic information and completed the Christian Orthodoxy Scale, the Religious Fundamentalism Scale, and the Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire. Participants read vignettes of a person with a mental illness (schizophrenia), a general medical illness (diabetes), and a control condition (practicing Christian) and rated them on five criteria representing stigmatizing attitudes. The data were analyzed by sequential multiple regression. Religious fundamentalism, but not Christian orthodoxy, was a significant predictor of stigmatizing attitudes toward a person with mental illness. Consistent with past research, neither religious fundamentalism nor Christian orthodoxy were significant predictors of stigmatizing attitudes toward a general medical illness. As predicted, both religious fundamentalism and Christian orthodoxy were significant predictors of positive attitudes toward a practicing Christian. Sensitivity and discourse regarding stigmatization and deeply held fundamental religious beliefs are needed among mental health professionals, religious leaders, and laypersons. |
