Module 13 Stigma and Mental Illness

stereotypes

the cognitive component of stigmatization

• knowledge of stereotypes doesn’t ensure their endorsement

prejudice

the affective component of stigmatization

• endorsement of negative stereotypes

discrimination

the behavioral component of stigmatization

• response to prejudice

• may lead to hostility, avoidance, or withholding of opportunity

Dimensions of Stigmatization (Jones)

Can Cute Dogs Always Offer Protection?

• Concealability

  • how visible is the condition?

• course

  • how does the condition develop over time?

• disruptiveness

  • how does the condition strain interpersonal relationships?

• aesthetics

  • how much does the condition impact facial and/or bodily disfigurement

• origin and controllability

  • how does the condition come into being and how controllable is it?

• peril

  • how much danger or threat is associated with the condition

Does increasing knowledge reduce stigma?

not necessarily

• as public awareness of mental illness increases so do beliefs in its dangerousness and desire for social distance

• british survey found that

  • 70% view ppl with schizophrenia and substance abuse problems as dangerous

  • 62% believe ppl with severe depression are hard to talk to

  • 38% believe ppl with EDs can pull themselves together

2021 US National Stigma Study - Children mental health treatment stigma

Mental Health Treatment Stigma in general (thoughts)

• would make a child an outsider at school

• child would suffer as an adult if others learned that they received treatment

• would make a parent feel like a failure

Medication of children thoughts:

• long-term negative effects on their development

• delays dealing with their real problems

• turn kids into zombies

Does the Medical Model Help Reduce Stigma?

Findings are mixed

• research has shown that holding purely biological attributions for menta health disorders may:

  • increase desired social distance/punitive attitudes

  • increase perceptions of chronicity of illness and stigmatization of family members

• “sick” view of mental illness

  • did not improve attitudes toward individuals but reduced blame

  • provoked harsher behavior toward individuals with MI

Less than… of youth who experience mental health problems in the US receive psych services

1/3

…. is one of the many barriers to help-seeking and accessing MH services

stigmatization