Explanatory Model of Non-Adhesion to the Psychosocial Mental Health Paradigm

Abstract This study aimed to propose an explanatory model of non-adherence to the psychosocial paradigm of mental health based on stereotypes, beliefs about the etiology of mental illness, perception of threat, and prejudice. Participants included a total of 400 university students, with a mean age of 24.64 years (SD = 6, 64), mostly women (75.6%). A path analysis was performed to propose the model, which showed that the greater the perception of threat and the agreement with the disability stereotype, the lower the support for the psychosocial paradigm. Furthermore, it was found that beliefs about the etiology of mental illness and stereotypes are at the basis of the perception of threat and all these variables together predict greater prejudice. The findings of this research provide scientific support for effective and consistent interventions that strengthen the psychosocial paradigm on the national scene.