Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
Mental illness is becoming an increasing concern in the workplace. Accompanying this is the stigmatized attitudes towards mental illness that has been under-researched, particularly in the South African context. Despite stigma being a big concern, the measurement thereof remains difficult. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the psychometric properties of the Attitudes towards Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIIQ), and the Perceived Stigma Questionnaire (PSQ). A secondary aim was to measure the influence of demographic factors on stigmatization. A cross-sectional, quantitative research approach was followed. Data were collected from working people via electronic and hard copy questionnaires. A final sample of 338 was realised. Results were analysed via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), t-tests and ANOVAS. Results showed that the AMIQ had good reliabilities for all the mental illness vignettes, except heroin. Strong one-factor solutions were found for all the mental illness vignettes. The PSQ had a strong one-factor solution after removal of items 10 and 11. Reliability of the PSQ was acceptable. Furthermore, gender and age had a significant impact on stigmatised attitudes towards alcoholism and schizophrenia. Race had a significant impact on stigmatised attitudes towards heroin abuse, and education had a significant impact on stigmatised attitudes towards schizophrenia. In conclusion, the AMIQ and PSQ show promise as valid and reliable instruments for the measurement of stigma towards mental illness in the South African workplace. The study contributed to the procurement of psychometrically sound instruments for measuring stigmatised attitudes towards mental illness in the workplace. Furthermore, the study also alerts employees to the fact that not all employee segments (as determined by demographic differences) hold the same views with regards to mental illness.