The Relationship Between Accurate Psychological Education & Mental Health Stigma in High School Students in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: the purpose of this research is to investigate high school students’ attitudes towards mental illness in relation to their level of mental health knowledge in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. In addition, the study advocates for the integration of a psychology subject in high schools’ curricula. Method: Questionnaires will be given to male and female high students; two classes will take the questionnaire in each level (10-12). The scale used is constructed by the author Melissa L. Pierce in her doctoral dissertation (2012). In addition, at least 3 school counselors will be interviewed either online or face-to-face. Implications: the expected outcome of this study is to find a significant negative correlation between attitudes towards mental health and mental health knowledge. If that is the case, then recommendations will be made for implementing a mental health based subject in the high school curricula.