Social Distance and Public Attitudes Toward Offenders With Mental Illness

Authors

• Amelia LiButti, St. John Fisher University

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

Public attitudes toward individuals with mental illness, particularly offenders, are often shaped by negative stereotypes, misconceptions, and perceived dangerousness. This study examined whether social distance predicts public attitudes toward offenders with mental illness, while also considering the role of prior mental health experience and sociodemographic variables. A national sample of 102 adults completed an online survey including the Public Attitudes Toward Offenders with Mental Illness (PATOMI) scale and the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that sociodemographic variables and prior mental health experience alone did not significantly predict public attitudes. However, the final model, which included social distance, was significant and explained 47.1% of the variance in attitudes. Greater desired social distance was associated with more stigmatizing attitudes, supporting the primary hypothesis. These findings highlight the importance of social distance in shaping public attitudes and reducing stigma toward offenders with mental illness. Limitations include a relatively small and non-diverse sample, and a reliance on self-report measures. Future research should incorporate more diverse samples and examine additional factors, such as media influence and upbringing, that may shape public perceptions.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

Publication Information

LiButti, Amelia, "Social Distance and Public Attitudes Toward Offenders With Mental Illness" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 132.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/132

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