Strategies for Reducing Stigma To Mental Illness in a School Setting: Preliminary Study and Pilot of the “Lo Hablamos” Program

Abstract

There is a growing interest in reducing stigma towards mental disorders in the school context using educational interventions. Despite the significant variety of formats and methodology of action, in general, these types of programs have proven to be an useful and cost-efficient tool for promoting adolescent mental health, reducing their prejudices and fears towards the disease. The present work describes the pilot of the Lo Hablamos program, a manualized intervention strategy with a high-level structure of content designed to reduce the stigma of mental illness in the classroom. A total of 315 students from the 3rd and 4th year of Obligatory Secondary Education, aged between 14 and 17, participated in the study. The program was developed in a single 3-hour session within regular school hours. At the end of the session, the participants completed an anonymous survey designed to extract their assessments and preferences about the activities carried out. The results indicate that students value the intervention positively, also the tasks and exercises shows a high level of understanding and perceived dynamism. The program seems to have a target population located between 14-16 years old, above these ages a higher percentage of negative opinions is evidenced. The data suggest that Lo Hablamos program is an interesting tool for action on stigma in the school environment.