This research analyzes the influence of different types and degrees of experience with mental illness regarding acceptance vs. rejection of mental disorders and of the patient with schizophrenia. 236 university students were involved in the study by filling a social distance scale related with a vignette describing a psychotic episode of a patient (man or woman) with schizophrenia and a scale assessing different types and degrees of experience with mental illness and mental patients. Results show differences regarding both the type and degree of experience with regard to the social distance to the patient with schizophrenia. Indirect experience was significantly associated with higher social rejection than direct experience.