The labelling of schizophrenics by professionals and lay-persons

Br J Clin Psychol. 1987 Nov;26(4):311-2. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8260.1987.tb01365.x.

Abstract

Videotaped interviews of individuals said to be attending a mental health centre were rated by 30 trainee social workers and by 30 students unconnected with mental health. Interviewees were labelled as 'schizophrenic', 'normal' and 'undiagnosed' in a randomly rotated manner. Students rated schizophrenics as more deviant on various measures of social skill, whereas trainee social workers did not. The findings are discussed in light of the controversy initiated by Rosenhan (1973).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Public Opinion*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Work, Psychiatric
  • Stereotyping