4. Jasmine Scott
Education Information
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
Bachelor of Science in Public Health,
Major: Health Education and Promotion
May 2016
East Georgia State College, Swainsboro, Georgia
Associate of Arts
May 2013
Rachel Spivey
Education Information
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
Bachelor of Science in Public Health,
Major: Health Education and Promotion
December 2016
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, Georgia
Associate of Special Education
May 2014
Ogeechee Technical College, Statesboro, Georgia
Registered Nurse Assistant
5. August 2015
Kera Nobles
Education Information
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro,
Georgia
Bachelor of Science in Public Health,
Major: Health Education and Promotion
May 2016
East Georgia State College, Swainsboro,
Georgia
Associates of Science
Major: Exercise and Health Science
May 2013
Kelvin Hall
Education Information
Georgia Southern University,Statesboro,Georgia
Bachelor of Science in Public Health,
6. Major: Health Education and Promotion
Minor: Business
May 2016
Abstract
The negative stigma on mental illness continues to be a major barrier for individuals living with
a mental illness. Individuals that are not well educated on mental illness often form negative
attitudes, along with stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination which encompasses stigma and
influences how they interact socially with an individual who has a mental illness. The purpose of
Stop the Stigma was to educate residents of the Bulloch County community about the nature of
the negative stigma on mental illness and how it affects those living with a mental illness along
with encouraging individuals and families to seek support services. Participants were recruited
from the local National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter (n=11). An interactive activity was
done to differentiate between mental illness facts, myths, and hurtful comments followed by a
video and short lecture. Incentives were offered before and during the program to encourage
participation. A pre and posttest was used to measure knowledge about mental illness and was
analyzed using SPSS. Analyses revealed a slight increase in knowledge, but there was no
statistical significance. The researchers suggest that anti stigma interventions targeted towards
people within the community are more likely to be successful at increasing mental health literacy
by reinforcing multiple programs.
7.
8. Introduction
Mental health is essential to the overall well-being of a person. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 43.8 million adults over the age of 18 in the
United States live with a mental illness that affects their thoughts, perceptions, emotions,
behaviors, and relationships with others (2013). 13.6 million people live with a serious mental
illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar depression (National Alliance on
Mental Illness, 2013). 42 million people are living with anxiety disorders, such as panic
disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety
disorder and phobias (NAMI, 2013). Children also experience mental illness as approximately
20 percent of youth experience a mental illness beginning around age fourteen (Bulanda et al.,
2014).
According to a recent study, anxiety and mood disorders noticeably differed according to
various factors among metropolitan, urban and rural residents. Anxiety and mood disorders are
the most frequently recognized illnesses as post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety
disorders, and specific phobias were the most common anxiety disorders and depression was the
leading mood disorder affecting residents (Reeves, Lin, and Nater, 2013). Although anxiety
disorders exist in metropolitan and rural areas, it is found more abundantly in urban areas. On
the other hand, PTSD is more common in rural areas. Moreover, women in urban areas
experience more depressive disorders than men whereas women with less than a high school
diploma are more likely to be depressive in rural areas (Reeves, Lin, and Nater, 2013).
9. Stigma
Stigma is defined as a sign of disgrace which sets a person apart from others and is a
barrier that affects numerous people living with a mental illness (Byrne, 2000). Many contend
that stigma and fear of being labeled is a major reason why 25% of the estimated 50 million
Americans experiencing mental illness yearly will not seek mental health services (Images of
Mental Illness in the Media, 2004). As a result, they are deprived of the many opportunities that
characterize a quality life such as employment, housing, suitable health care, and relationships
with various groups of individuals. People use their existing knowledge of mental illness to form
attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination which encompass stigma and influence how
they interact socially with an individual who has a mental illness (Ciftci, Jones, and Corrigan,
2013). Cultural differences are also significant to stigma and can be more complicated for
individuals stemming from racial and ethnic minority groups (Ciftci, Jones, and Corrigan,
2013). For example, in Chinese cultures where heritage is important, individuals with a mental
illness are considered to be tainting their family (Ciftci, Jones, and Corrigan, 2013).
Stigma is divided into three categories: public, self, and institutional. Public stigma is
characterized as the reaction the general population has towards individuals with a mental illness
(Corrigan et. al, 2015). Children and adolescents with a mental illness garner more tolerance
from the public compared to adults (Pescosolido, 2013). Consequently, public stigma can
10. develop into internalized self-stigma for people with a mental illness and damage their self-
esteem, confidence, and it increase their likelihood that they will not tell anyone about their
illnesses (Images of Mental Illness in the Media, 2004). Self-stigma is internalizing and
applying the stereotypes of mental illness to oneself and diminishes their self-esteem and their
self-efficacy (Wassel et.al. 2010).
Self-stigmatization is high among individuals with mental illness. A study conducted by
Rusch et al. 2014 was conducted to gain a better understanding of why people with mental
illness self- stigmatize themselves which revealed that some individuals developed low self-
esteem while others responded to stigma with empowerment (Rusch et.al. 2014). In addition,
there were increased levels of perceived discrimination, as well as increased levels of perceived
legitimacy of discrimination that led to self-stigma (Rusch et.al. 2014). Perceived legitimacy of
discrimination is the key component of a person's response to stigma (Rusch, 2014).
Institutional stigma refers to an organization’s tactics or literacy of negative attitudes and
beliefs. Many employees face the dilemma of whether to disclose of their illness to their
colleagues and employers as well as how to deal with stigmas in the workplace that are often
ignored. A study conducted by senior scientist Dr. Carolyn Dewa surveyed 2,219 Ontario
workers about their views on workplace mental illness which revealed that thirty-eight percent of
workers would not inform their manager if they had a mental health issue. However, over half of
the participants reported they were concerned if revealing they had a mental illness would
negatively affect their occupation (Good Therapy, 2015)
11. Furthermore, stigma is exacerbated by the media. When stigma occurs in the media it can
be in the form of reports that discuss inaccurate stereotypes, often linking mental illness to
violence or portraying individuals as dangerous and disabled (Hoffner et al, 2015). For instance,
the 2007 deadly Virginia Tech shooting led many individuals to correlate mental illness with
violence. Stigma in the media can also be reflected on entertainment show, advertisements, and
information campaigns (Klin and Lemish, 2008). Serving as a key source of information, the
media plays a vital role in shaping and strengthening society’s attitudes. The media’s
representation of people with mental illness as violent, dangerous, and unpredictable reinforces
preexisting attitudes that results in the mentally ill suffering societal scorn and discrimination
(Mass Media and Mental Illness, 2004). For example, journalists often use derogatory slang
such as psycho and loony to describe individuals with mental illness (Hoffner et al, 2015). In
addition, children's’ cartoon television shows often make references to mental illness. For
example, characters are portrayed as have unruly hair, artificial eyes, and rotting teeth while
verbally called crazy, loony, disturbed, and a freak (Eisenhauer, 2008). The Surgeon General's
first comprehensive report on mental health in 1999 identified the stigma and discrimination
associated with mental illness as major barriers deterring people with mental illness from
acknowledging their mental health problems and seeking treatment (Images of Mental Illness in
the Media, 2004).
12. Research
Researchers examined published literature on programs or interventions aimed at
educating and reducing mental illness stigma among young adults. Upon conclusion of the
search, researchers apprehended that there are limited interventions conducted using theory as a
basis. One study, conducted by Bulanda, Bruhn, Byro-Johnson, and Sentmyer in 2014 examined
the effectiveness of a program entitled Share, Peace, Equality, Awareness, and Knowledge
(SPEAK) on 57 adolescent middle school students. Pre- and Post-tests were administered to
measure the effectiveness of the SASS program on high school students. Although there was an
increase in knowledge, behavioral changes in participants were not met.
Purpose
Due to a lack of knowledge and understanding, mental illnesses continue to be
stigmatized. In order to effectively combat mental illness stigma, researchers should consider a
multidimensional approach in which various educational strategies are implemented among the
younger population. Researchers will conduct a theory-based intervention on mental illness
stigma among young adults. The purpose of this program is to educate and reduce the stigma of
mental illness in the citizens of Bulloch County.
13. Needs Assessment
Health Status
Mental illness is common in the United States. According to the National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four adults experience mental illness in a given year (NAMI
Mental Illness, 2013). Furthermore, about 13.6 million people live with a serious mental illness
such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder (NAMI Mental Illness, 2013). 50
percent of Americans, will have a diagnosable mental illness in their lifetimes. According to the
Mental Health myths and facts , found that three out of four people with mental health issues
showed signs before they were twenty four years old (Mental Health,2015).
NAMI State Statistics, of Georgia’s approximately 9.7 million residents, close to 349,000
adults live with a serious mental illness and about 111,000 children live with a serious mental
health condition (“NAMI State Advocacy,” 2015). However, Georgia’s public mental health
system provides services to only twenty one percent of adults who live with serious mental
illnesses in the state. In 2004, the Public Mental Health System in Georgia served only 22%-
40% of those who have Serious Mental Illness or Serious Emotional Disorders. Also the state of
Georgia is ranked 43rd nationally per capita expenditures for mental health services (“Georgia
Mental Health Gap Analysis,” 2005). However, when compared to similar states Georgia is
getting fewer mental health services and it is providing a lower intensity of services to those that
14. do get services. The burden of mental illness is incredibly high due to increasing numbers of
uninsured people with mental health conditions.
Community Description
In rural Southeast Georgia, Bulloch County is home to many residents. Bulloch County is
made up of four cities, as following; Statesboro, Brooklet, Portal, and Register. Statesboro is the
county seat of Bulloch County. (“Bulloch County, 2015) The population is approximately 71,
214, 2013. (“State and County Quickfacts”, 2015) According to the 2000 census, the county is
approximately 6.8% Caucasian, 28% African American, 1.9% Hispanic and 8% Asian or other.
People 18 years of age and older makes up 77% of Bulloch County’s population and those 65
years of age and older makes up 9.3%.(“Georgia Gov”, 2015) Bulloch County is the home to
higher learning institutions, such as Pineland Mental Health services and Statesboro NAMI
organization.
Community Link
At this time in Bulloch County there is a definite need for more involvement in the
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organization. Lois Roberts the treasurer for the
Bulloch County NAMI states, “There are about fifty members of the Bulloch County NAMI
organization, but only around twenty-five active members participate in the monthly meetings.
The rest of the members usually donate money or support the organization in some other way.”
(Roberts, 2015) Through the local NAMI organization, meetings are held every month to discuss
15. how to cope with a family member that is dealing with a mental illness and discuss different
ways to approach the negative stigmas associated with a mental health diagnosis. An anonymous
member of the Bulloch County chapter said, “NAMI of Statesboro provides a safe place to talk
about the illness, find encouragement and understanding about the social issues and symptoms.”
(Anonymous, 2014) Another way NAMI of Statesboro provides encouragement and
understanding is when the consumer’s get in trouble with the law enforcement or hospitalized
members will volunteer their time to visit them.
Our job is to help Bulloch County become more aware of the NAMI program and what their
services have to offer. The proposed program will be complementary to the area. The proposed
program will more than likely enhance the existing program instead of competing with it. The
new idea for the program is to promote NAMI in a modernized way for the younger generation.
NAMI promoters want to make sure our generation knows that there is a safe place in Bulloch
County where one may go and seek help for their mental illness and not feel judged.
Qualitative Data
The Lieutenant of Community Affairs Liaison and the Sergeant of the Department of
Public Safety for Georgia Southern University were both interviewed, as they are a part of
Bulloch Counties National Alliance on Mental Illness organization. At this time in Bulloch
County there is a definite need for more involvement in the National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI) organization. Lois Roberts the treasurer for the Bulloch County NAMI states, “There
are about fifty members of the Bulloch County NAMI organization, but only around twenty-five
16. active members participate in the monthly meetings. The rest of the members usually donate
money or support the organization in some other way.” (Roberts, 2015)
In the spring of 2015, the examiners conducted an interview asking a series of questions
regarding mental health issues. Question 1: Considering the different programs offered within
the organization, what are some things that you feel would assist Bulloch County in helping with
mental health?
“By providing the different programs offered such as: help line and NAMI Support
Group. He also expressed that there should be more community awareness within the county and
a need for more resources to be accessible to the public". (Lieutenant, personal communication,
Feb 7, 2015). Question 2: If a person had never come in contact with an individual with a mental
health issue, what would they need to know?
“By providing safety measures e.g. remain calm and contact law enforcement to take
over. In cases where a law enforcer or police officer is not near, most individuals do not know
how to handle this issue and may not be aware of the severity. This is why it is important to be
aware and educate people regarding mental health". (Sergeant, person communication, Feb,
2015).
Based on the information that the researcher gathered, it seems that there is a major need
in Bulloch County for more resources for people who have mental illnesses. Furthermore, we
need to educate not only our parents or caregivers, but also our physicians as well on proper
ways to handle people with a mental illness or disorder. Lastly we need make aware of the fact
17. that police officers are now Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained and know how to handle
individuals with different mental health problems.
18. Mission, Goals, and Objectives
MissionStatement:
To educate Bulloch County about the nature of mental illness stigma and to encourage
individuals and families to seek support services
Goals:
1. To increase awareness of the local National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter in efforts
to minimize the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness
2. To reduce the negative stigma associated with mental illness in the Bulloch County
community.
3. To increase knowledge on mental health in the Bulloch County Community.
Objectives:
After the program:
1. Participants ages 18-26 will be able to identify three negative stereotypes of mental
illness
2. Participants will increase their knowledge of mental illness by 25%.
3. Participants will score 10% higher on the posttest
19. Framework
The purpose of this program was to educate the Bulloch County community on the
negative social and perceived stigma of mental illness. The facilitators intended to target the
young adult population, ages 18-26. In order to make the target audience comfortable to come to
the program we chose a neutral environment at the Statesboro Regional Library.
Self-Efficacy Theory was suitable for this program because it increases an individual's
confidence level, which reflects their intention to change their behavior. There are four distinct
constructs: mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological
arousal. By using the self-efficacy theory, we developed an evidence-based health education and
promotion program.
This program aimed at changing behavior by using vicarious and mastery experiences.
Vicarious experience is described as learning while observing a model. In the program,
participants observed their peers’ ability to determine the difference between myths and facts in
regards to mental health. By observing others perform tasks, individuals may begin to question
their own prejudices about individuals with mental illnesses. Mastery experience relates to the
actual performance of a behavior or task. This occurred when we attempted to change their
mindset by providing them with resources for understanding mental illness.
After this experience, the researchers expected the participants to decrease the negative
perceptions of individuals living with mental illnesses by providing resources and an interactive
activity. Last but not least, the researchers wanted to change the knowledge of individuals with
20. mental disorders. By providing information and skills needed to deal with individuals with
mental illness, we expect their self-efficacy to increase.
22. Intervention
The Stop the Stigma intervention program will consists of a mixture of health communication
and health education strategies. Both will be used to increase knowledge and awareness to
Bulloch County to enable them to improve their perceptions of mental illness.
Health Communication Strategies
The health communication strategy was used to inform and increase awareness and
knowledge about the stigmas surrounding mental illness and resources for treatment in
Bulloch County. Health communication was used to help equip residents with the
information and skills that they would need to alter negative perceptions of mental
illness. The tools that were used for this strategy were:
● Video clips: used to show examples of individuals living with a mental illness, mental
illness facts and help-seeking behavior.
● Interactive activity: used to identify participants prior knowledge of mental illness facts,
myths and hurtful sayings
● Flyers: were distributed to promote the program and make residents of Bulloch County
aware of the program
To grab the attention of our target audience, we will distribute flyers to local businesses
as well as put an ad in the Statesboro newspaper that included information regarding the
program dates, times and instructors.
23. Health Education Strategies
The health education strategy was used to provide a structured, planned learning
experience and environment that would be used to convey mental illness stigma
information. This strategy allowed us to tailor instructional material to our audience’s
level of knowledge about mental illness and their beliefs and observe the effectiveness of
the program. The tools that were used for this strategy were:
● Lecture/discussion: used to present mental health information and allow the study
population to freely discuss, and share their thoughts on the information presented to
promote reflective thinking and behavior change
● Pre and Post Test: used to measure knowledge prior to the program as well as after
● PowerPoint slide: used to incorporate a variety of of multimedia files (images, video,
audio, and animations) that were used to enhance and complement the lecture.
Educating our target audience was done over the course of one educational and
interactive program. The goal of the seminar was to educate and inform participants
about the stigma of mental illness with the means of increasing their self-efficacy to
improve their perceptions.
24. Lesson Plan
Stop the Stigma
Community Organization: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Group Members: Jasmine Scott, Kelvin Hall, Rachel Spivey, Kera Nobles
Program Date: September 28th 2015
Duration: 1 Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Topic: Mental Illness
Objective: To educate Bulloch County about the stigma associated with mental illness
Materials
Napkins, Handouts, Pencils, Cue Cards, Goody Bags, Plates, Cups, Lemonade, Coca Cola,
Snack tray, Cupcakes, Color Flyers, Candy, Tape
Time Type Action
2 Min Introductio
n
Introduced the program planning group to participants.
5 Min Pre-Test Administered consent forms. A pretest was given to measure
participant’s prior knowledge on mental illness and stigma
10 Min Explanation This time was used to explain the purpose of the program and why
the program planning group was presenting
20 Min Activity Participants were asked to name some stereotypes and stigma
associated with mental illness. Cue cards were distributed with a
mental illness fact stigma or hurtful statement and were asked to
tape them in the category they saw fit. Planners discussed and
organized which cards fall into these categories: myth,
misconception, hurtful and facts and participants were asked to state
where such ideas originated i.e. movies, media, books, and personal
experiences.
15 Min Lesson The lesson focused on educating the participants about mental
illness, stigma, and dispelling myths/fears. An informational video
was shown.
5 Min Post-Test A posttest was given to measure the knowledge of the participants of
what was covered during the lesson.
3 Min Conclusion Pamphlets and handouts were distributed to each participant
containing information on mental illness, negative stigma, and the
28. Timeline of Events
Events listed with checked marks have been completed. Events shaded in purple have not been
completed.
Tasks
Semester: Spring 2014
Months
Januar
y
February March April May
Choose Community
Organization
✓
Develop Literature
Review
✓
Conduct Needs
Assessment
✓
Submission of Needs
Assessment
✓
Create Intervention ✓
Develop mission, goals
and objectives
✓
Develop Measurement
Chart
✓
Create Framework and
Model
✓
Develop Intervention
Strategies
✓
Develop Planning
Committees Submission
✓
Develop Program
Proposal for Final
Submission
✓
Contact Hears and Hand
Clinic Director
✓
Group Presentation ✓
IRB Form Submission ✓
Short-
term
outcomes
Output
Long-
term
outcomes
Mid- term
outcomes
Input
29. Tasks
Semester:
Fall 2014
Months
August September October November December
Contact Director ✓
Redefine
Program Goals
and Objectives
✓
Meeting with
Community
Organization
✓
Create Lesson
Plan and
Timeline
✓
Create Consent
form
✓
Introduction
Submission
✓
Purchase Items
for Program
✓
Create consent
forms
✓
Create Bingo
Cards
✓
Develop
Methods
✓
Program
Implementation
✓
External
Evaluation
✓
Data Analysis ✓
Send Out
Thanks You
✓
31. Methods
Participants
Participants were individuals living in Bulloch County and were recruited through the
local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter via email, an ad in the Statesboro
newspaper, and flyers distributed throughout the community. Eleven participants attended the
seminar held on October 5, 2015. The demographics of the participants ranged between 23 and
79 years of age.
Intervention
During the program, the participants participated in one health education session on
mental illness stigma. After a brief introduction of the facilitators and overview of consent forms,
participants were administered a pretest to examine their current knowledge of
stigma. Participants were then involved in an interactive game where they had to identify if a
stigma was a myth, fact, or hurtful statement. Next, participants watched a video that showed
concerns related to how individuals with mental illness cope with everyday life and how others
may perceive them. A brief lecture followed explaining mental illness and stigma. Afterwards,
all of our participants were administered a posttest to examine if their perceived thoughts and/or
knowledge changed from the pre-test. Lastly, participants were involved in an open discussion
32. on how the Bulloch county community can become more involved in supporting locals with
mental illnesses.
Measure
The program was designed to measure the participant’s knowledge and attitude towards
mental illness. Measurements were determined through the use of a twenty question survey,
which will measured participant’s knowledge and attitudes towards the individuals living with a
mental illness. The instrument contained statements about mental illness to measure knowledge,
as well as ask diverse questions pertaining to the participant’s descriptions, experiences,
relationships, and awareness of individuals with a mental illness to measure attitude. In addition
to the survey items, there were two demographic questions asked on the pre and post
survey. Confidentiality was maintained by not asking any of the participants any identifying
markers on the instrument.
Data Analysis
Data analysis for this program was run on the SPSS Software, version 19 (SPSS Inc.,
Chicago, IL). We used the pre and post test to measure the participants’ change in knowledge
and attitude towards individuals with a mental illness. A paired t-test was conducted to test for
statistical significance.
33. Results
Stop the Stigma program involved eleven participants (n=11). All participants were distributed a
pre and posttest. Table 1 shows the total average of knowledge for stigma on mental illness
among the pre and posttest. An independent t-test was run to find the difference between the pre
and posttest. When comparing scores, the average pre-test was 45.5 and the average post-test
was 48.5, yielding a three point difference. While the difference is positive, data analysis
revealed our p-value of .724 was not statistically significant. The item scores are presented in
Tables 1, 2, and 3.
Table 1. Report overall means of knowledge and stigma of mental illness determined by T-
test
Variable n x2 SD t df Significance
Group -.987 20 .724
Pre-test 11 45.4545 8.21418
Post-test 11 48.4545 5.83718
34. Table 2. Report overall means of knowledge on the stigma of mental illness determined by
T-test
Variable n x2 SD t df Significance
Group -.802 20 .903
Pre-test 11 21.9091 5.68251
Post-test 11 23.7273 4.92120
Table 3. Report overall means of stigma of mental illness determined by T-test
Variable n x2 SD t df Significance
Group -.937 20 .474
Pre-test 11 23.5455 3.29738
Post-test 11 24.7273 2.57258
35. Participants were classified in groups in regards to gender and age. Both males and females
were in attendance and the majority of the participants fell between ages 23 and 80 years old. A
visual analysis of the data is presented in the figures below.
Figure 1. Age
36. Figure 2. Gender
The objectives of the program were not met. The small sample was not a representative of our
initial target audience. Additionally, participants possessed prior knowledge of mental illness
before attending the program due to their membership in the local National Alliance on Mental
Illness chapter. However, although there was no statistical significance, the program was
successful in creating short term changes in knowledge and attitude.
37. Discussion
Purpose
The purpose of this program was to educate residents of the Bulloch County community
about the nature of mental illness stigma and to encourage individuals and families to seek
support services. During the Stop the Stigma program, a pretest was given to test existing
knowledge of mental illness followed by an activity to differentiate between mental illness facts,
myths, and hurtful comments. A short video was shown to depict the stereotypes of individuals
living with a mental illness followed by a short lecture on the different types of stigma and how
the media plays a role. Lastly, a posttest was given to measure a shift in knowledge. In addition,
Participants also received informational brochures from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
as a local resource for seeking help.
Findings
Participants were distributed a pretest and posttest for data collection. The only
demographics that were used for this study was age and gender. There was a total of 11
participants (n=11). There was a three point increase between the pre and posttest, but our p-
value of .724 revealed there was no significance. We further examined the pre-posttest by the
knowledge and stigma questions. In the knowledge section, there was almost a 2 point increase,
but it wasn’t significant. In the stigma section there was a 1.2 increase, which wasn’t significant
either. The objectives of the program were not met, considering the age group was an older
population than originally intended.
38. Literature
In reviewing the literature of reducing mental illness stigma, several studies were
discovered comparable to our own. In 2014 a study was conducted by Jeffrey J. Bulanda to
evaluate the promotion of awareness on mental illness stigma in adolescents. This study is
similar to our own, Stop the Stigma, in that the S.P.E.A.K program held a seminar that was 60
minutes long including PowerPoint presentations, open discussion, and the showing of a public
service announcement. In contrast to our program, the age demographics were not the same as
the S.P.E.A.K program had adolescents ages 12 - 17 and our program’s ages ranged from 23 -
74. Furthermore, our program only had 11 participants whereas the S.P.E.A.K. program
managed to gather 120 participants from an afterschool program. We also conducted our
program over one session whereas the S.P.E.A.K. program was conducted over five sessions.
In the Stop the Stigma program, we offered incentives such as food and drinks as well as
favor bags filled with brochures from the local National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter. We
attracted our participants with promotional flyers as well as an ad in the newspaper whereas the
S.P.E.A.K. program implemented their seminar in an afterschool program. At the end of their
study, Bulanda et al. concluded that the program did increase mental illness knowledge as well
as social distance. We have confidence that our methods were effective, however, the impact
would have been more successful if targeted towards a younger age group and larger sample
size.
39. In reviewing a school based trial called, “In Our Own Voice” is a knowledge intervention
that provides information about mental illness to improve mental health literacy. This program
also has personal contact with individuals living with mental illnesses and advocates the negative
stigma of mental illness. The participants were adolescent girls ages 13-17 years old (n=156).
There measurements included mental illness stigma and mental illness literacy based on an 8
week improvement on knowledge and stigma. In their intervention findings, there wasn’t a
significant improvement. In corresponding to this program, our Stop the Stigma program had the
same intentions as the “In Our Own Voice”program. The only difference between our program
and theirs was the age group and we didn’t target a specific gender. We wanted to stop the
stigma throughout the Bulloch County community starting with individuals ages 18-26. Unlike
the “In Our Own Voice” program we did not have a 8 week improvement but only conducted a
one day intervention.
Limitations
Several limitations are prevalent throughout our program. First, the small sample size of
our program proved not to be accurate. Furthermore, most of our participants already had prior
knowledge about mental illness. Our program was intended to attract participants between the
ages of 18-24, however, we had a much older population attend the seminar. We also distributed
our flyers to the people who were already aware of the stigma that is placed on individuals with
mental illness. Even though we put an ad in the local newspaper, that still was not enough to
attract our intended audience. On ways to improve, we should’ve distributed the fliers to the
40. local high school, different colleges, and around our apartment complexes to captivate our
intended audience. Overall, we would have recruited our intended audience if we planned our
strategies around engaging and involving the younger population.
The researchers feel this study can be improved utilizing the voices of the students to
change the conversation about mental illnesses in high schools or on college campuses. Also
developing and supporting chapters that include mental health awareness classes, education
classes, and advocacy groups on campuses would be a good way to increase students awareness
of mental health issues, provide them information and resources regarding mental health and
mental illness, and in doing this will encourage students to seek help immediately if needed (Kim
Foundation, 2014). Lastly, students should serve as liaisons between other students and the
mental health community.
To improve health indicators, the practitioners could use the results from our study to
target the younger population and educate them on the signs and symptoms of mental
illnesses. Furthermore, the practitioners could inform them on how important it is to stay
connected with other peers and colleagues i.e. roommates, family members, friends, professors
and academic advisors. This could help prevent such symptoms like the feeling of hopelessness
and the inability to cope, which could lead to other mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
41. References
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