Implementing a Brief Hallucination Simulation as a Mental Illness Stigma Reduction Strategy

Due to the prevalence and serious consequences associated with mental illness stigma, a number of educational interventions have been developed to decrease stigma. One potential intervention is administering brief simulations of auditory hallucinations, but no empirical evaluations have been published. This research examined the efficacy of a brief simulation on stigma across two listening conditions. After completing a stigma measure, participants (N = 127) listened to a simulation and were randomly assigned to one of two listening conditions: (1) sitting in a research lab, or (2) ambulating around a college campus completing two tasks. All participants then completed the stigma measure a second time. Regardless of listening condition, the simulations led to changes on two aspects of stigma—less willingness to help/interact and stronger attitudes for forcing treatment on those with mental illness. These findings suggest that brief simulations require additional careful evaluation of their efficacy prior to wide implementation.