Australian exercise physiology student attitudes and knowledge towards people living with mental illness
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 16 July 2020
Issue publication date: 16 July 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Physical activity is increasingly recognised as critical to improving physical and mental health (MH). Understanding the education and training requirements of exercise professionals will support better integration of these emerging MH professionals within the multidisciplinary MH team. The purpose of this study was to determine the exposure to, knowledge and attitudes of final year exercise physiology students towards people with mental illness (MI).
Design/methodology/approach
Student exposure to and knowledge and attitudes of people living with MH were assessed via a 24-item online questionnaire.
Findings
In total, n = 63 out of 78 eligible students participated (81%). Of the participants, 81% (n = 51) showed a favourable attitude towards people with MI and 68% (n = 43) of participants had good knowledge of topics relating to MI. Significant correlations existed between the total score for attitude and any exposure to MH issues and having undertaken placement as part of university training and knowledge and total scores. Further training and education are needed to better equip exercise physiology graduates to work with people with MI.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine the attitudes and knowledge of exercise physiology students towards people living with MI and their association with exposure to MI. Given the growing number of exercise professionals being integrated into multidisciplinary MH teams, this study may help to direct the delivery of associated training and education services.
Keywords
Citation
Fibbins, H., Ward, P., Stanton, R., Thom, J., Burdett, A., Lederman, O. and Rosenbaum, S. (2020), "Australian exercise physiology student attitudes and knowledge towards people living with mental illness", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 193-205. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-01-2020-0006
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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