Stigma and public support for parity and government spending on mental health: a 2013 national opinion survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The study examined attitudes among Americans about policies to require insurance parity for mental health and substance abuse benefits and to increase government spending on mental health treatment.

Methods

A Web-based public opinion survey was conducted with a national sample (N=1,517). Analyses examined how sociodemographic characteristics, political affiliation, personal experience with mental illness, and attitudes toward persons with mental illness were associated with policy support.

Results

Sixty-nine percent supported insurance parity, and 59% supported increasing government spending. Democrats were more supportive than Republicans or Independents. Personal experience was associated with higher support for both policies, and stigmatizing attitudes we

SUBMITTER: Barry CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4294424 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature