Attitudes of Israeli Arabs Towards the Mentally Ill

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Abstract
A sample of 91 Israeli Arab subjects were interviewed in a structured, closed-item questionnaire about their attitudes towards former mental patients. The results indicated the predominance of negative attitudes towards intimate relationships with such patients and towards their work potential. The respondents did not appear to have a clear idea about the dangers posed by former mental patients; this suggested a generally ambiguous attitude towards the patients and the policy of institutionalization. Educational level and religion (Moslem or Christian) were found to affect attitudes significantly, with the more highly educated and/or Christian respondents expressing less negative attitudes.