Attitudes of nursing students towards mental health and the influence of social desirability: a cross-sectional study
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 29 July 2022
Issue publication date: 2 January 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Identifying negative attitudes toward mental illness among students on nursing undergraduate degrees can help to design teaching strategies able to reduce the stigma attached to this condition. This study aims to assess attitudes toward mental health and intentions regarding future behavior in university nursing students initiating their training in the treatment of mental health problems (MHPs).
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was designed. A sample of 162 nursing students completed scales to assess their attitudes toward mental health, stigma, predicted behavior and social desirability. Simple and a multiple linear regression was performed adjusted for the social desirability scale result.
Findings
Nursing students with previous experience of MHPs presented positive attitudes and behavioral intentions toward mental illness. Those who had no such experience before their training in mental health nursing presented certain stigmatizing attitudes. Attitudes toward MHPs may be affected by stigma and also by social desirability bias. The training in mental health care given to nursing students should aim to reduce its influence to help them carry out their future duties efficiently and compassionately.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the relevance of university teaching plans, which should place special emphasis on promoting knowledge and developing skills and attitudes in nursing students undergoing training in mental health care to ensure optimal levels of performance in their future careers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Fundació Althaia – Xarxa Assistencial i Universitària de Manresa – for providing time to the authors to write this paper.
Citation
Giralt Palou, R., Prat Vigué, G., Romeu-Labayen, M. and Tort-Nasarre, G. (2023), "Attitudes of nursing students towards mental health and the influence of social desirability: a cross-sectional study", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 30-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-12-2020-0089
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited