Nursing students' attitudes toward the stigma of mental health problems and illness
A narrative literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2026.60.Suppl.1.3338Keywords:
stereotype, mental health, health care, nursingAbstract
Introduction: Nursing students, as future care providers, will significantly influence the quality of care for patients with mental health problems and disorders, yet their attitudes towards mental health patients remain under-researched. The aim of this literature review was to examine nursing students’ attitudes towards patients with mental health problems and disorders from the perspective of stigma.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCOhost) databases, with no time limitation, using an English-language search string. The strength of evidence was assessed using the hierarchy of evidence. Inductive content analysis was used for synthesis.
Results: A total of 15 studies were analysed. Two main categories were identified: the presence of stigma among nursing students (negative attitudes, expression of stigma; positive attitudes, reduction of stigma), and factors influencing the level of stigma (impact of education, personal and demographic factors).
Discussion and conclusion: Based on the findings, it is proposed that clinical experiences with mental health patients be meaningfully included in nursing education programmes, as direct contact significantly contributes to reducing stigma and developing empathy. It is also emphasised that educational approaches should be strengthened to include mental health content, promote understanding of the complexity of these problems, and enable students to reflect on their own attitudes and values.
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