Challenging Forensic Stigma: The Efficacy of Education and Indirect Contact Interventions in Addressing Stigma Towards Forensic Patients.

This study investigated the effectiveness of education, indirect contact, and their combination in reducing forensic stigma—negative stereotypes toward forensic patients who have mental illness and criminal justice involvement—among undergraduate students. Using the Forensic Stigma Scale-Revised (FSS-R), results showed that participants exposed to an educational video, alone or combined with indirect contact via documentary clips, exhibited significantly lower stigma scores, particularly regarding perceptions of dangerousness and unpredictability, compared to those who viewed only contact or control videos. Indirect contact alone did not reduce stigma relative to the control condition. Additionally, women and students with prior forensic psychology education demonstrated lower stigma levels. The findings suggest that education-based interventions may be more effective than indirect contact in addressing forensic stigma, though further research is needed to explore long-term effects and alternative contact methods.