Comparing the effects of live and video-taped theatrical performance in decreasing stigmatization of people with serious mental illness

Background: Interventions that promote contact with people with psychiatric disabilities can decrease negative attitudes about this population. However, little is known about the impact of different types of educational presentations on stigmatizing attitudes of people with serious mental illness across time.Aim: To longitudinally examine the relative effects of live and video-taped theatrical presentations on undergraduates' affective response, intolerant attitudes, and intentions to interact with people with serious mental illness.Method: A total of 303 undergraduates viewed either a live or video-taped theatrical performance about stigmatization of mental illness, or were members of a no-presentation comparison group. Attitudes of tolerance and behavioral intentions were assessed one month prior, immediately following, and one month after presentations. Affective responses to presentations were also assessed.Results: The live presentation group showed the greatest initial decrease in stigmatizing attitudes, and increase in behavioral intentions. The live presentation group reported a significantly greater affective response than the video group. Both groups were significantly different from the no-presentation group on measures of attitudes and behavioral intentions one month following the presentations.Conclusions: Study demonstrates the relative merits of both live and video-taped presentations for decreasing stigmatization of people with serious mental illness.Declaration of interest: None.