Well? What do you think? National Survey
The work of the National Programme and its partner agencies aims to increase the general public’s understanding of mental health problems and factors affecting their own mental health and wellbeing, as well as attitudes to mental illness.
The 'Well? What do you think?' survey is the main tool which measures the effects of actions taken to improve people's psychological wellbeing and increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues. The survey is conducted every two years and findings from the third phase were published in September 2007.
Why are attitudes to mental health issues important?
Negative attitudes about mental illness create Stigma:
'Stigma' literally means 'a sign of disgrace'. The stigma and prejudice that surrounds mental health problems create major barriers to recovery for people who are ill.
Recovery:
Recovery from long-term mental health problems is about much more than the mere absence of symptoms. It is not about being fixed or back to normal. It is about having the chance to live a satisfying and fulfilling life, as defined by the individual, with or without symptoms.
Who is surveyed?
The survey explores the views and experiences of a representative sample of the adult Scottish population (reflecting age, gender, income, location, race and ethnic diversity) in relation to a range of mental health-related issues. Findings are also compared with other relevant survey data.
What's included?
The survey covers the following topic areas:
- General health and lifestyle
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Experience of and attitudes to mental health problems
- Sources of information about mental health issues and awareness of relevant promotional activities across Scotland
Who conducts the survey?
The first survey was designed and carried out in 2002, by NOP Social and Political, to help inform the National Programme's work and to provide relevant baseline data. The second survey was conducted by MORI Scotland in 2004, and the third was undertaken by Ipsos MORI with Stirling University in 2006.
The 2004 and 2006 surveys aimed to track progress towards meeting the aims of the National Programme.
What have we found so far?
Here are a few of the main findings to date:
- People in Scotland are generally healthy, satisfied with where they live, feel connected to others and in control of their lives.
- Awareness of mental health and wellbeing is on the increase and attitudes to people with mental health problems are generally improving, although the public still have poor understanding of more serious illnesses, such as schizophrenia
- People who have difficulty managing on their income and people who live in deprived areas are the most likely to experience poor physical and mental health, and poor mental wellbeing
Download the survey findings:
Well? What do you think? (2006) Full Report
- 2006-public-attitudes-survey-report.pdf [982.67Kb]
Research Findings (2006)
- public-attitudes-survey-summary-2006.pdf [158.53Kb]
Well? What do you think? (2004) Full Report
Research Findings (2004)
- public-attitudes-survey-summary-2004.pdf [175.36Kb]
Well? What do you think? (2002) Full Report
- 2002-public-attitudes-survey-report.pdf [689.00Kb]
Research Findings (2002)
- public-attitudes-survey-summary-2002.pdf [386.84Kb]
If you would like to purchase printed copies of the 'Well? What do you think?' survey reports or research findings, contact the National Programme.
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