Mental Health Stigma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of stigma related to mental health illnesses among music therapy students at a large southeastern public university. A survey of nineteen stigma-related questions was designed and distributed to seventy-six music therapy students. Forty-four surveys were collected (57.9%) and analyzed. The survey consisted of four demographic questions and fifteen stigma related statements. Statements were related to one of three components of stigma: prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination. Respondents answered each statement based on the extent to which they agreed or disagreed to each item on a five-point, Likert-type scale. Results indicated that music therapy students tended to disagree with stigma-related statements. These results may suggest a lower perceived stigma towards mental health illnesses among music therapy students. Understanding the prevalence of stigma on mental health among music therapy students provides implications for future music therapists and current music therapists working in mental or behavioral health settings to provide more adequate experiences for individuals with mental illness. Music therapists can help challenge the stigma related to mental health, a major barrier for those wishing to seek treatment with mental illness.