Stigma of mental illness: a comparative study of demographic and cultural correlates among nursing students and registered nurses in Jordan

Purpose

This study aims to compare the stigma associated with mental illness between nursing students and registered nurses in Jordan and identify the influence of sociodemographic factors and cultural misconceptions on mental illness stigma.

Design

This research employed a comparative, cross-sectional design. Data were gathered through an online self-administered questionnaire. The survey included information about demographic characteristics, mental illness stigma, and cultural misconceptions about mental illness.

Settings

Government mental health facilities and private universities in Jordan.

Participants

The study was completed by 233 nursing students and 157 registered nurses.

Results

Nursing students exhibited significantly higher mean stigma scores (M = 47.84, SD = 7.67) than registered nurses (M = 40.70, SD = 11.82), P < 0.001. This stigma varies significantly based on gender (P = 0.018), history of psychiatric treatment (P < 0.001), and educational progression among nursing students (P < 0.001). Additionally, registered nurses with advanced academic qualifications, such as a master’s degree, reported lower levels of stigma (P = 0.013). The results also indicated that participants who hold stigmatizing cultural beliefs, such as seeing mental illness as a divine punishment or attributing it to supernatural forces, tend to exhibit significantly higher stigma scores in both groups.

Conclusion

Nursing curricula should address stigma and cultural misunderstandings about mental illness. In-service training for registered nurses is essential to correct misconceptions and promote culturally competent mental healthcare.