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Stereotypes, Stigma, and Mental Illness: Learning From Fieldwork Experiences
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Stereotypes, Stigma, and Mental Illness: Learning From Fieldwork Experiences

Michael Lyons and J Ziviani
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol.49(10), pp.1002-1008
1995
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https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.49.10.1002View
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Abstract

Clinical Sciences Public Health and Health Services fieldwork education mental disorders students
Objectives. A phenomenological study explored occupational therapy students' experiences in psychiatric fieldwork Ofparticular interest were students' experiences with and perceptions ofpersons using psychiatric services. Method. Data were gathered from 16 informants, via in-depth interviews and participant observation, on multiple occasions throughout the students' fieldwork affiliations in hospital and community psychiatric service settings. Triangulation of data gathering methods and member checking were used to strengthen the interpretive validity ofthe study. Results. Informants manzfested stereotyped preconceptions and associated anxiety regarding persons labeled as mentally ill, though the strength ofsuch beliefs and feelings was found to diminish as fieldwork progressed. Sensationalized popular images ofmental illness (e.g., that it is linked with malevolence) and some aspects ofacademic and clinical education (e.g., a defiCit focus) seemed to adversely affect students' perceptions. Conclusions. Assisting students to acquire a sound appreciation ofthe humanness ofpersons with psychiatric disorders is an educational imperative. There is a need to critically appraise academic and.fieldwork practices in psychiatric occupational therapy.

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