Social distance toward schizophrenia among parents of adolescents

Social distance toward schizophrenia is a reason for delays in receiving early treatment for the disorder. This study attempted to identify the factors underlying social distance. The participants were 2690 parents of adolescents. Factor analysis using a social distance scale identified two factors: private relationship and social relationship. Regression analysis revealed that gender, age, and participation in welfare activities for people with mental illnesses had independent effects on the factor private relationship (p < 0.05). These results suggest that women aged 40 49 years should be targeted for activities that attempt to counteract social distance and that they would benefit from taking part in public welfare activities for individuals with mental illnesses.