A survey on the prejudice and the stereotypes of mental illness in two communities with or without Psychiatric Residential Facilities

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco Veltro ◽  
Antonella Raimondo ◽  
Clementina Porzio ◽  
Teresa Nugnes ◽  
Vittorina Ciampone
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Civil Rights ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Residential Facilities ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Educational Campaigns

SUMMARYAims – Description of prejudice and stereotypes of mental illness in two samples with or without psychiatric Residential Facilities in their communities. It has been evaluated if the ongoing naturalistic relationship with the mentally ill was sufficient to modify the stigma of mental illness. Methods – The study has been carried out in 7 small towns with Residential Facilities and in 7 small towns without Residential Facilities on a sample of 560 people. Each respondent was asked to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness - General Population's version (QO-GP). Results – Data on 557 respondents (99.5%) were collected. The most frequent opinion in the general sample was to reject the possibility to admit patients to Psychiatric Hospital. The significance (p <.01) between the two samples was found for only 5 items that concern the “treatment-outcome”, while no difference was found about the stereotypes of mental illness. Conclusions – The results outline that the ongoing naturalistic relationship do not modify the stereotypes of mental illness, but only some aspects of prejudice (care and civil rights). As a consequence we need to plan structured, effective and more specific educational campaigns on mental illnesses.Declaration of Interest: in the last 2 years, none of the five authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and “honoraria” for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work.

The Relationship Between Insight and Internalized Stigma in Persons With Sever Mental Illness

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S453-S453
Author(s):  
D. Szczesniak ◽  
I. Wojciechowska ◽  
M. Kłapciński ◽  
E. Zwyrtek ◽  
J. Rymaszewska
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Insight Into

IntroductionStigma is a multistage process that makes person marked by the stigma to be perceived as diminished or even as “not fully human”. The internalized stigmatization is seen as one of the levels of stigma to be present in persons with mental illness. A new perspective to mediation models between internalized stigma and illness-related factors is needed.AimTo assess the relationship between insight in mental illness and internalized stigma, as well to verify the knowledge of illness-related factors on the phenomenon of internalized stigma among patients with severe mental illnesses.MethodsA cross-sectional study design conducted among participants of both sexes between 18 years old and 65 years old with diagnosis of psychotic disorders (F20–29) and mood disorders (F30–39), who after reading the information about the study, give their written consent to participate. Among used methods were: a questionnaire of Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) by Ritsher [Boyed] et al. translated into Polish version and self-prepared interviews. Insight into mental illness was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.ResultsThe preliminary results showed patients with the insight into the mental illness have significantly higher scores on the ISMI scale. Moreover, inpatient participants and those with the diagnosis of depression were characterized by higher level of stereotype endorsement compared with outpatients and psychotic patients.ConclusionsThe obtained results may contribute in the clinical and therapeutic fields, assuming that insight and the type of treatment are strongly linked with the process of recovery and the internalized stigma.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Exploring the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students towards mental illnesses

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Hamza Ghulam ◽  
Muhammad Wajih ullah ◽  
Zubair Tariq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
University Students ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Spiritual Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness

Background: The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students toward mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are challenged not only by their symptoms but also by the prejudices associated with their illness. Acknowledging the stigma of mental illness should be the first essential step toward devising an appropriate treatment plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Punjab, Lahore, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and University of Sargodha, Sub-campus Lahore, from February to May, 2014. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics, general knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, and a modified form of the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illnesses (CAMI) Scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 650 participants enrolled in different disciplines (Social Sciences, Medicine and Formal Sciences). Results: Response rate was 81% (527/650 respondents). Mean age was 20.98 years. Most of the students (331, 62.8%) had an urban background and studied Social Sciences (238, 45.2%). 418 (79.3%) considered religion very important and most respondents considered psychiatrists (334, 63.4%) and spiritual leaders (72, 13.7%) to be best able to treat mental illnesses. 169 (32.1%) considered black magic to be a cause of mental illness. Only 215 (41%) had ever read an article on mental illnesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed study discipline, exposure, perceived causes of mental illnesses and superstitions to be significantly associated with attitudes towards mental illnesses (p < .05). Conclusion: Although low awareness and exposure were found in this sample of Pakistani university students, their attitude towards mental illnesses was generally positive. Most respondents gave supernatural explanations for mental illnesses but only a few believed that spiritual leaders can play a role in treatment.

Fighting Stigma

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T Compton ◽  
Beth Broussard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Affected Person ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Definition Of

Mental health professionals now understand more about mental illnesses than ever before. Effective treatments are available that support many people with mental illnesses living full and productive lives. Despite this and the general public’s broader understanding of mental illnesses, negative and incorrect beliefs about these disorders continue. These incorrect beliefs include that mental illnesses are moral failures and that people with mental illnesses are dangerous, incompetent, and unable to function in the community. This can cause persons with mental illnesses and their families to delay seeking treatment in an attempt to avoid being labeled with a mental illness diagnosis. Once diagnosed, they may worry about people finding out and treating them differently. They may experience discrimination in various parts of their lives. This is due to the stigma of mental illness. The traditional definition of stigma is a mark of shame that usually lasts forever. Stigma can have negative effects on both the affected person and his or her family. The stigma related to mental illnesses often begins when doctors diagnose the patient with a mental illness. This diagnosis, or label, sometimes links the patient to stereotypes, or negative ideas, about people with a mental illness. However, stigma can also begin even before a diagnosis, when the affected person begins to display signs and symptoms of an illness. These signs and symptoms (such as talking to oneself or having unusual beliefs) may link the person to negative ideas about those with a mental illness. The stereotypes that society holds about people with mental illnesses are usually wrong. Examples of such ideas are that a person with a mental illness is dangerous, not very intelligent, and unable to work. Other false ideas are that the person has no self-control and will never recover. Stereotypes can cause others to view people with mental illnesses as different and less human. Not understanding these disorders, others may look down upon or think less of those with a mental illness. As a result, patients and their families may feel that they are less important, or they may feel discriminated against. They also may feel that the stereotypes about those with a mental illness are in some way true.

scholarly journals Stigma of mental illnesses in Pakistani university students: A cross sectional survey

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Hamzah Ghulam ◽  
Muhammad Wajih Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Zubair Tariq Majeed
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
University Students ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Spiritual Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
The University

Background: The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students toward mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are challenged not only by their symptoms but also by the prejudices associated with their illness. Acknowledging the stigma of mental illness should be the first essential step toward devising an appropriate treatment plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Punjab, Lahore, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and University of Sargodha, Sub-campus Lahore, from February to May, 2014. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics, general knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, and Community Attitudes towards Mental Illnesses (CAMI) Scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 650 participants enrolled in different disciplines (Social Sciences, Medicine and Formal Sciences). Results: Response rate was 81% (527/650 respondents). Mean age was 20.98 years. Most of the students (331, 62.8%) had an urban background and studied Social Sciences (238, 45.2%). 418 (79.3%) considered religion very important and most respondents considered psychiatrists (334, 63.4%) and spiritual leaders (72, 13.7%) to be best able to treat mental illnesses. 169 (32.1%) considered black magic to be a cause of mental illness. Only 215 (41%) had ever read an article on mental illnesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed study discipline, exposure, perceived causes of mental illnesses and superstitions to be significantly associated with attitudes towards mental illnesses (p < .05). Conclusion: Although low awareness and exposure were found in this sample of Pakistani university students, their attitude towards mental illnesses was generally positive. Most respondents gave supernatural explanations for mental illnesses but only a few believed that spiritual leaders can play a role in treatment.

Causes and psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia: the opinions of Italian population

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Corrado De Rosa ◽  
Andrea Fiorillo ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
Manuela Guarneri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Work ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Nervous Breakdown

SummaryObjective – Description of opinions on schizophrenia and its psychosocial consequences in a sample of general population. Methods – The study has been carried out in 29 GP units stratified by geographic area and population density of their catchment areas and randomly selected. Each respondent was asked to read a case-vignette describing a patient who met ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia, and then to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness General Population's version (QO-GP). Results – Data on 714 respondents were collected. 21% of the sample identified a case of schizophrenia, 66% of depression/anxiety disorder, and 13% of “nervous breakdown”. Factors most frequently mentioned as causes of detected disorder were stress (72%), heredity (62%), family difficulties and psychological traumas (45%). More pessimistic opinions about psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia were found among respondents with lower educational level and older age. Respondents who referred the case-vignette to schizophrenia reported more pessimistic opinions about psychosocial consequences of detected disorder. Conclusions – The results of this study outline the need to plan educational campaigns on mental illnesses, which take into account the socio-cultural characteristics of the target populations.Declaration of interest: none of the seven authors has had any interest or received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work, in the last 2 years.

How work integration social enterprises impact the stigma of mental illness

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Krupa ◽  
Judith Sabetti ◽  
Rosemary Lysaght
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Work Integration ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to advance a theoretical understanding of the mechanisms by which WISEs can influence the stigma associated with mental illness. Many people with serious mental illnesses want to work, but despite much attention to work entry strategies, unemployment rates remain exceptionally high among this population. Stigma has been identified as a particularly pernicious barrier to the full community participation of people with mental illnesses. If work integration social enterprises (WISE) are to positively impact the full community participation of people with mental illnesses, then addressing stigma will be integral to their operation. Design/methodology/approach A comparative case study approach was used to address the following research questions: “How is the stigma of mental illness experienced in the everyday operations of WISE?” and “What influence do WISEs have on the stigma of mental illness within the workplace and beyond?” Five established WISEs that pay workers at minimum wage or better were selected for inclusion. The maximum variation sample included WISEs that varied in terms of geographical location, form of commerce, business size, revenues and degree of connection with mental health systems and local communities. Data analysis was conducted in four stages using qualitative methods. Findings The study findings suggest processes by which WISEs can positively impact the stigma of mental illness. Three social processes are associated with the potential of WISE to contribute to stigma reduction: perception of legitimacy, perception of value and perception of competence. Each of these social processes is fueled by underlying tensions in practice that arise in the context of negotiating the dual goals of the business. Research limitations/implications This study advances theoretical understanding of the ways in which stigma may be perpetuated or reduced in WISE by revealing the social processes and practice tensions that may be associated with operation choices made by WISEs and their partners. Further research would be required to determine if the processes described actually lead to reduced stigma. Although efforts were made to select WISEs that demonstrate a variety of features, it is likely that some important features were absent. Additional research could further explore the findings identified here with WISEs from other sectors, including youth and workers with transient or less severe forms of illness. This work should be replicated internationally to explore how contextual factors may influence individual and public perceptions. Practical implications The findings provide guidance for WISE developers in the mental health sector concerning strategies that may help mitigate the development of stigmatizing features within a social enterprise and by extension improve the work experience and workforce integration of employees. The identification of these processes and tensions can be used to advance the development of consensus principles and standards in the WISE field and contribute to ongoing evaluation and research. Social implications WISEs have the potential to reduce stigma, an important goal to support their efforts to improve employment and integration outcomes for people with mental illnesses. Through their business structures and operations they may be able to impact stigma by positively influencing perceptions of legitimacy, value and competence – all issues that have been associated with public assumptions about mental illness that sustain stigma. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to specifically focus on stigma in the WISE sector, particularly as it relates to the work integration of persons with mental illnesses. The findings provide a range of theoretical and practical implications for future development in the field and highlight factors that merit consideration more broadly in the sector.

scholarly journals Stigma of mental illnesses in Pakistani university students: A cross sectional survey

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Hamzah Ghulam ◽  
Muhammad Wajih Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Zubair Tariq Majeed
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
University Students ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Spiritual Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
The University

Background: The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students toward mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are challenged not only by their symptoms but also by the prejudices associated with their illness. Acknowledging the stigma of mental illness should be the first essential step toward devising an appropriate treatment plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Punjab, Lahore, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and University of Sargodha, Sub-campus Lahore, from February to May, 2014. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics, general knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, and Community Attitudes towards Mental Illnesses (CAMI) Scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 650 participants enrolled in different disciplines (Social Sciences, Medicine and Formal Sciences). Results: Response rate was 81% (527/650 respondents). Mean age was 20.98 years. Most of the students (331, 62.8%) had an urban background and studied Social Sciences (238, 45.2%). 418 (79.3%) considered religion very important and most respondents considered psychiatrists (334, 63.4%) and spiritual leaders (72, 13.7%) to be best able to treat mental illnesses. 169 (32.1%) considered black magic to be a cause of mental illness. Only 215 (41%) had ever read an article on mental illnesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed study discipline, exposure, perceived causes of mental illnesses and superstitions to be significantly associated with attitudes towards mental illnesses (p < .05). Conclusion: Although low awareness and exposure were found in this sample of Pakistani university students, their attitude towards mental illnesses was generally positive. Most respondents gave supernatural explanations for mental illnesses but only a few believed that spiritual leaders can play a role in treatment.

scholarly journals Exploring the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students towards mental illnesses

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Hamza Ghulam ◽  
Muhammad Wajih ullah ◽  
Zubair Tariq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
University Students ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Spiritual Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness

Background: The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students toward mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are challenged not only by their symptoms but also by the prejudices associated with their illness. Acknowledging the stigma of mental illness should be the first essential step toward devising an appropriate treatment plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Punjab, Lahore, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and University of Sargodha, Sub-campus Lahore, from February to May, 2014. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics, general knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, and a modified form of the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illnesses (CAMI) Scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 650 participants enrolled in different disciplines (Social Sciences, Medicine and Formal Sciences). Results: Response rate was 81% (527/650 respondents). Mean age was 20.98 years. Most of the students (331, 62.8%) had an urban background and studied Social Sciences (238, 45.2%). 418 (79.3%) considered religion very important and most respondents considered psychiatrists (334, 63.4%) and spiritual leaders (72, 13.7%) to be best able to treat mental illnesses. 169 (32.1%) considered black magic to be a cause of mental illness. Only 215 (41%) had ever read an article on mental illnesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed study discipline, exposure, perceived causes of mental illnesses and superstitions to be significantly associated with attitudes towards mental illnesses (p < .05). Conclusion: Although low awareness and exposure were found in this sample of Pakistani university students, their attitude towards mental illnesses was generally positive. Most respondents gave supernatural explanations for mental illnesses but only a few believed that spiritual leaders can play a role in treatment.

Mental and Physical Health Consequences of the Stigma Associated with Mental Illnesses

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce G. Link ◽  
Jo C. Phelan ◽  
Greer Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Disparity ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Labeling Theory ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

People with mental illnesses experience physical illness and premature mortality at much higher rates compared to people without such illnesses. This chapter proposes that the stigma of mental illness comprises an important set of causes of this physical health disparity. It draws on classical and modified labeling theory from sociology for insights and propositions as to why mental illness stigma might affect physical health. The chapter proposes that the stigma of mental illness might affect not only the future experience of mental illness but also a broad range of physical illnesses, thereby contributing to the substantial physical health disparity that people with mental illnesses experience. The chapter develops a conceptual model that places at its center stigma processes including structural, interpersonal, social psychological, and internalized processes. Stigma processes at these levels induce stress and reduce resources, which in turn compromise physical health to produce large physical health disparities.

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