The Effects of Neighbourhood Factors on Attitudes Towards Mental Health Facilities

Abstract

<p> The purpose of this research paper is to examine the effects of neighbourhood factors on attitudes towards Mental health facilities. The research hypothesis is that personal attitudes towards mental health are a major determinant of reactions to community mental health facilities. The study conducted by the Canadian Training Institute (CTI) in 1983 provides relevant data on attitudes toward mental health group homes. Attitudes towards mental health group homes were studied using measures of desirability and perceived neighbourhood impacts. In order to test the hypothesis, two sets of relationships were examined; the relationship between facility impact and neighbourhoods;and the relationship between facility desirability and neighbourhoods. The results provide support for the results obtained by Trute and Segal in Canada and Linsky in the United States. The results showed similar socio-demographic profiles and attitudes of potential accepting and rejecting neighbourhoods. Therefore, the conclusions are that attitudes towards mental health group homes vary spatially between different types of neighbourhoods. The results have practical reference because they can help planners locate mental health facilities in locations where public opposition and patient dissatisfactionare minimized. </p>