| Revista INFAD 2011. |
ISSN EDICIÓN EN PAPEL: 0214-9877 |
| Nº1, Vol. 1, pp. 63-72 | doi: en trámite |
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Desigual(mente) – projecto de intervenção de redução do estigma face à doença mental em crianças do ensino básico.
Ana Paula Monteiro / Andreia Sofia Lopes / Hugo Tiago Madeira / Joana Maria Seco.
Abstract
Despite an increase in knowledge and effective treatments for mental illnesses, these health problems remain under-reported and unrecognized. Stigma remains the single greatest barrier for those seeking treatment. While many schools are already tuned in to the problems of stigma and discrimination as they relate to race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, mental health and illness remain relatively invisible. A pilot project was developed aimed at 29 children of Primary School in the outskirts of Coimbra, with the aim of increasing awareness of the difference, and prevention of discriminatory behaviour associated with the stigma of mental illness. In ten weeks, several interventions were conducted – psycho-educational activities in which they addressed concepts such as respect, difference, stigma and equality, using interactive teaching methods, educational games, movies, children’s stories, study visits and face to face contact with people with mental problems. The children understood the concepts of difference, respect and cooperation and reduction of stigma in people with mental illness. Structured psycho-educational interventions in schools can contribute to reducing stigma and prejudice associated with mental illness. This innovative project could be replicated in other primary schools.
Key words: Stigma, Difference, Mental Health, Children.
