This study investigated attitudinal changes toward mental disorder after contact with the mentally disordered. Thirty–three female and 43 male medical students participated in this study. They were divided into two groups on the basis of self–evaluation: Group I students rated themselves as having understood the course in Neuro–Psychiatry; Group II students rated themselves as having little or no understanding of the course. Each group was also divided into two groups; one is Group A who had no negative responses to the mentally disordered during contact experience and the other is Group B who had negative responses.

Attitudes were measured with the Attitudes toward Mental Disorder Scale (AMDS), which consists of five factors, before and after the contact. Prejudice scores in five subscales were calculated to evaluate attitudinal changes. It was found that generally prejudice scores in all factors decreased after contact, showing significant changes in factor1, 4, and 5. Group I students scored lower on the fifth factor before contact, indicating a less prejudiced attitude while Group II scored higher. After contact Group II students showed significant changes in the first, fourth, and fifth factors. After contact significant positive changes in attitude were seen in both Group A and B.

Other findings were also discussed.

The purpose of this study was to introduce an attempt for electronic mail (e-mail) consultation. E-mail consultation may be applicable for people who are afraid of visiting counseling center, or who can’t visit it for some reasons.

The author set up home page of e-mail consultation service for clients and their family, or friends. This service aimed to “think together” for solving their problem. Through the e-mail communication, the author attempted to clarify how clients were feeling.

Fisty six people sent e-mail and their problems were divided in 6 categories: (a) psychiatric issues (paranoid, care of schizophrenic patient, etc.), (b)psychosomatic problems (headache, pain in stomach, etc.), (c) problems on personality and behavior (phobia, withdrawal, etc.), (d) interpersonal relationship (being divorced, trouble in organization, etc.), (e)life goals (being tired of college life, wondering what life is, etc.), (f) others (how to be clinical psychologist, etc.). Half of them has changed their feelings with e-mail consultation.

Usage of e-mail consultation, some effects, and issue of introducing to other facilities were discussed.