Training activist professionals against stigma toward people with psychiatric diagnoses: a chilean experience

Abstract

Introduction: It is necessary to train health and social science professionals to take action to reduce the negative effects of stigma, not only for those who are stigmatized, but especially for those who stigmatize. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the learning that occupational therapy students develop regarding public stigma reduction when they engage in a socio-educational intervention with the general population, supported by peer tutors in a Chilean university. Methodology: A qualitative methodology with a socio-constructionist approach to knowledge was adopted. Data were collected through online qualitative questionnaires completed by six teachers, six peer tutors, and 80 students in a private Chilean university. The data were subjected to a thematic content analysis. Results: Six topics emerged: learning facilitators, construction of public stigma, stigma reduction, reconceptualization of the stigmatized person, effects of public stigma, and development of occupational awareness. Conclusions: The combination of project-based learning and peer mentoring is a useful and efficient pedagogical strategy for students in health and social sciences, such as occupational therapy, to learn relevant aspects of public stigma, such as its causes, potential effects, and some socio-educational strategies for its reduction.