Abstract
BACKGROUND: Individuals diagnosed with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) often perceive negative attitudes from health professionals, acting as a barrier to effective treatment. The present study explores healthcare students' attitudes toward SMI to identify potential areas of stigma. METHODS: A descriptive analytical qualitative approach was employed. Twenty-seven students from six different healthcare programs at the University of Malaga participated in semi-structured interviews, which were subsequently analyzed using thematic content analysis with the assistance of NVivo 12 software. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the data: ideals, experiences with SMI, and views on hospitalization and coercive measures. Students acknowledge the importance of empathy but often feel unprepared due to limited knowledge, leading to avoidance and negative interactions. Although stigmatizing beliefs regarding dangerousness and inabilities persist, students generally reject segregation and advocate for equal rights. Positive contact experiences with mental illness can modify negative attitudes and enhance empathy, particularly among individuals with their own personal experiences. Participants generally oppose coercive measures, except for safety concerns and lack of illness awareness, advocating for alternatives to preserve autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights that insecurity and feeling unprepared could be linked to stigmatizing and negative experiences with individuals with SMI. Therefore, we underline the need for the anti-stigma education of healthcare students focusing on contact experiences and promoting confidence in their knowledge and skills.