Staff and Consumer Attitudes toward Integration of Persons with Psychiatric Disability into the Community

Abstract

In the last two decades, we have witnessed a significant change in the quality of life and social participation of people with psychiatric disabilities. This article examines staff's and consumers' attitudes toward inclusion of persons with psychiatric disabilities, to understand whether the two groups see eye to eye regarding this important goal. The sample included 88 persons with psychiatric disabilities living in six community settings in the north of Israel, and their 54 direct and supervising staff. The findings showed that the two groups had similar favorable attitudes toward inclusion, except in the empowerment factor, where consumers' attitudes were more favorable. In addition, professional staff showed more positive attitudes toward inclusion than non-professional direct staff.