Background and Objectives: Stereotypes about schizophrenia may lead to prejudicial attitudes and
discrimination with debilitating effects on people diagnosed with schizophrenia. There is thus a need to
develop interventions aiming to prevent, reduce or eliminate such stereotypes. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the effects of a documentary film on schizophrenia on cognitive, affective and behavioural
aspects of stigmatisation.
Methods: Forty-nine participants were assessed on measures of stereotypes and social distance, and on
the Model of Stereotype Content, which includes measures of stereotypes, emotional reactions and
behavioural tendencies. Participants were randomly assigned into either a condition in which they
viewed the documentary film (Film group), or into a control condition in which no intervention was
conducted (Control group).
Results: Only participants in the Film group revealed a significant decrease of negative stereotypes
(Dangerousness and Unpredictability) and desired Social distance, and a significant increase in the
perception of sociability in persons with schizophrenia.
Limitations: Small sample size and its reduced generalizability are the main limitations in this study.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that a documentary film promoting indirect contact with people
diagnosed with schizophrenia is a promising tool to prevent and reduce stigmatisation regarding
schizophrenia.