Attitudes and stigma toward mental health in nursing students: A systematic review.

PURPOSE

This systematic review seeks to ascertain whether mental health-specific education reduces stigmatizing attitudes in nursing students.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed.

FINDINGS

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the results show an improvement in attitudes toward mental health, both in theory and clinical experience, but a greater improvement toward these stigmatizing attitudes was observed in clinical placements than in theory.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Mental-health-specific training seems to improve perceptions toward mental health. Clinical placement underpins theory, leading to a decrease in negative attitudes and stigma regarding mental health.