Negative public perceptions of schizophrenia

Research suggests that people with mental illness, in particular schizophrenia, are perceived of as unpredictable, dangerous and violent. Such negative perceptions are widespread and are potentially damaging. This assignment requires you to consider the commonly held belief that people living with schizophrenia are inclined toward unpredictable behaviour and violence. This assignment requires you to:
•    Present the evidence (from research articles) that public perceptions of mental illness (in particular schizophrenia) are negative
•    Consider how such negative beliefs may be maintained and reinforced
•    Consider how this public perception negatively impacts upon the lives of people with mental illness, in particular schizophrenia
•    Consider how this public perception negatively impacts upon the lives of the families of those with mental illness, in particular schizophrenia
•    Consider the role of knowledge about mental illness in improving public perception
•    Suggest ways to improve perceptions about mental illness, with reference to a research article or established method