PUBLIC-ATTITUDES AND INTENTIONS REGARDING TENANTS OF COMMUNITY MENTAL-HEALTH RESIDENCES WHO ARE NEIGHBORS

A mail survey was conducted on a representative sample of 345 households in Winnipeg to examine public attitudes and behavioural intentions regarding tenants of community mental health residences who are neighbours. Vignette methodology was used to investigate the effects of mental illness labels (living in a community mental health residence vs. a normal residence), behavioural presentation (reflecting mild vs. severe disability), and sex of neighbours. Results showed behavioural presentation superseding labelling associated with tenancy in community mental health facilities in determining public attitudes toward and behavioural intentions regarding neighbouring. The study extends previous research by suggesting high levels of receptiveness on the part of community residents to having tenants as neighbours. Implications of the findings for improving the neighbourhood integration of tenants in community mental health residences are discussed.