Relationship of Christian Beliefs to Attitudes Toward People With Mental Illness

Abstract

This study assessed the influence of Christian beliefs on attitudes toward people with mental illness. Participants (N=204) provided demographic information and completed the Christian Orthodoxy Scale, the Religious Fundamentalism Scale, and the Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire. Participants read vignettes of a person with a mental illness (schizophrenia), a general medical illness (diabetes), and a control condition (practicing Christian) and rated them on five criteria representing stigmatizing attitudes. The data were analyzed by sequential multiple regression. Religious fundamentalism, but not Christian orthodoxy, was a significant predictor of stigmatizing attitudes toward a person with mental illness. Consistent with past research, neither religious fundamentalism nor Christian orthodoxy were significant predictors of stigmatizing attitudes toward a general medical illness. As predicted, both religious fundamentalism and Christian orthodoxy were significant predictors of positive attitudes toward a practicing Christian. Sensitivity and discourse regarding stigmatization and deeply held fundamental religious beliefs are needed among mental health professionals, religious leaders, and laypersons.

Keywords: Attitudes; Christian orthodoxy; Fundamentalism; Mental Illness; Religion; Stigma.