Stigma interventions for schizophrenia and social media: A comparison of contact-based and psychoeducational approaches

Although contact-based and psychoeducational interventions have been found to be effective in reducing stigma of mental health conditions (Waqas et al., 2020), previous studies have not yet examined their impact on social media platforms. Yet, platforms like YouTube, highly accessed for content regarding mental health, stand out as a promising medium for disseminating strategies aimed at reducing stigma. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of contact-based and psychoeducational YouTube video interventions in reducing stigma towards psychosis. The study employed a pretest-posttest variable and a comparison of two interventions. Instruments measured self-reported stigmatic behaviours and beliefs, including the Bogardus Social Distance Scale – Adapted, the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale, and the Mental Illness Belief Measure. After baseline measurements, participants were randomly assigned to watch either a contact-based or a psychoeducational intervention. Subsequent assessments occurred shortly after the intervention and at approximately 1-week follow-up. Results from paired samples and independent group t-tests highlight the benefits of interventions on social media. Results will be discussed in light of the implications for public health practice aimed at reducing the stigma of mental health problems. Poster submission was sponsored by Dr. Gabriela Ionita, (Humanities and Social Sciences Department) for course PSYC 4401 and was presented at the Coquitlam campus on April 9, 2024, for Student Research Days 2024.