Scope
Clinical and Forensic Victimology
Status
In progress
Start date
25/02/2025
Subject
To gather information on knowledge and attitudes regarding the perception of mental illness among a sample of the general youth population, with particular attention to the concept of social dangerousness, a controversial and vague, stigmatizing, and outdated term, yet unfortunately still very relevant today.
A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions will be developed and administered to a sample of the general population. Responses will be completed and submitted anonymously online. The data will then be statistically analyzed.
Learning outcomes
To highlight the cultural factors that contribute to the social stigma surrounding mental illness, in order to identify interventions that can reduce negative beliefs about mental illness, improve stigma coping, and foster community social inclusion. Research has highlighted how an important element in reducing stigma is improving the population's mental health culture: normalizing the conversation about mental illness and overturning misconceptions and prejudices therefore represents a crucial intervention aimed at recovery and social inclusion.
Status of works
Phase 1: Development of a semi-structured questionnaire featuring closed and open questions
(Expected implementation time: 3 months)
Phase 2: administration to a sample of the general population.
To gather information on knowledge and attitudes regarding the perception of mental illness among a sample of the general youth population, with particular attention to the concept of social dangerousness, a controversial and vague, stigmatizing, and outdated term, yet unfortunately still very relevant today.
(Expected implementation time: 6 months)
Phase 3: Data Analysis
(Expected implementation time: 1 month)
Phase 4: Production of a summary text
The text should highlight which cultural factors can contribute to fueling social stigma against the insane-offender in order to identify those elements that can be addressed to reduce negative beliefs about mental illness, improve stigma coping, and foster mechanisms of social inclusion within the community.
The remaining time will be used to optimize the scientific summary text and organize the promotion and dissemination of the project results also through the organization of a Conference.