Poster Presentation
Monday, November 5, 2007
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Monday, November 5, 2007
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Rural Wyoming Community's Perceptions of Individuals Experiencing Mental Illness
Nancy I. McGee, BSN, RN, School of Nursing, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| Learning Objective #1: identify the challenges associated with the stigma surrounding individuals experiencing mental illness. |
| Learning Objective #2: identify trends in stigmatization among general practitioners, mental health providers and the lay population. |
This presentation will explore the phenomenon of stigma as it applies to individuals experiencing mental illness in the rural community of Casper, Wyoming. A review of literature revealed evidence suggesting that general practitioners, mental health providers and lay community members often stigmatize individuals experiencing mental illness (Lauber, Nordt, Falcato, Rössler, 2004; Phelan & Link, 2004; Read & Harré, 2001). Using a social distance scale (Link, Phelan, Bresnahan, Stueve, & Pescosolido, 1999), attitudes of general practitioners, mental health providers and lay community members towards individuals experiencing mental illness will be measured. Outcomes of this study will be given along with a discussion of nursing’s role in working towards eliminating these stigmatizing behaviors.