The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
ArticleNo Access

Rural Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of Mental Illness and Treatment Resources

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.34.3.229

The stigma associated with mental illness is purported to be a major factor in the resistance of rural residents to mental health services. Through mail questionnaires and personal interviews, the authors gathered data from 3,057 rural residents in six Mid-western states on their attitudes toward and knowledge of mental illness and mental health services. They also examined the relationships between the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their knowledge and attitudes. in contrast to the findings of several other studies, the rural respondents in this study reported positive attitudes about treatment of mental illness. They expressed a high level of awareness of a variety of mental health services and appeared satisfied with those services. The authors discuss possible reasons for the discrepancies between the findings of this study and the studies reporting negative attitudes.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.