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

Abstract

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.