OBJECTIVE:
This study evaluated a consumer delivered anti-stigma presentation, In Our Own Voice (IOOV), with Masters of Social Work (MSW) students, replicating a previous study with undergraduates.
METHODS:
Thirty MSW students completed pre and post surveys to measure changes in attitude, knowledge and social distance after the presentation.
RESULTS:
Paired samples t-tests showed increases in attitude (p < .001), knowledge (p < .05), and social distance (p < .001). Compared with previous research on undergraduate students, MSW students scored higher on all three pre-test measures (all p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS:
The results further support the effectiveness of IOOV and indicate that graduate level helping professionals can benefit from anti-stigma programs. Future research should go beyond self-report knowledge and attitude evaluation, test the efficacy of the components of the IOOV program (video, contact with presenters), and test the lasting effects of the program.