Teaching About Stigma Related to Mental Illness in Nursing Education in Sweden - with a Particular Focus on Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most stigmatised diagnoses, even though stigma surrounding mental illness in general has decreased over time. Prejudices and stereotypical beliefs associated with schizophrenia can contribute to discrimination, unequal care, and may lead individuals with the diagnosis to refrain from seeking help. Stigma can also increase individual suffering, sometimes being experienced as more distressing than the symptoms of the illness itself.

The aim of this project is to map the content of Swedish nursing education regarding teaching about stigma related to mental illness, with a particular focus on schizophrenia. Furthermore, the project intends to examine nursing students’ perceptions of schizophrenia, their views on the needs of individuals with these diagnoses, and how they perceive that education addresses issues of stigma.

By generating knowledge about both the content of education and students’ perceptions, the study can contribute to the development of teaching related to stigma and its consequences, and thereby better prepare nursing students to provide equitable and person-centred care.