A comparative study of the psychiatric nurses' attitudes towards mental patients.

THE aim of the present study is to analyse the effect of professional training on the psychiatric nurse's tolerance of mental disorders. We have used as samples two clearly-differentiated population groups : university students (N=328) and psychiatric nurses (N=50). The testing instruments were a semantic differential test and questionnaires on the subjects of aetiological factors, prognosis of mental disorders and social distance. We have found that while in an aetiological context the attitudes of both nurses and the students towards mental disorders are practi cally the same, attitudes towards prognosis and treatment seem greatly changed in those who possess psychiatric training and experience. Psychiatric nurses are not free from prejudice in respect of mental disorders.