The author presents the following thesis as an exploration of the relationship between knowledge of mental health disorders and subsequent support for mental health policy in the United States. Although this relationship has not been studied extensively, a review of relevant literature identifies the lack of comprehensive knowledge as a prominent social barrier to the advent of effective mental health policy. Utilizing a a public opinion survey , the author attempts to gauge participant's knowledge by: 1) exploring their attribution of the causes of mental illness to the three leading psychopathological models, 2) determining the extent of lived- versus learned experience with mental illness, 3) interpreting the strength of positive- and negative sentiments towards the mentally ill, and 4) referencing their level of proficient understanding with support for increased government spending and the reallocation of taxpayer dollars. Through analyzing theses measure, the researcher hopes to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the variables of interest. The identification of general trends that persist amongst the American public in regard to knowledge and support would provide direction for future research, prompt the passage of additional legislation, and perpetuate a widespread redefinition of the stigma surrounding mental illness in the United States.
