Are causal beliefs associated with stigma? A test of the impact of biogenetic versus psychosocial explanations on stigma and internalized stigma in people experiencing psychosis.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Carter ◽  
John Read ◽  
Melissa Pyle ◽  
Anthony P. Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Causal Beliefs ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
The Impact

What Gives a Diagnostic Label Value? Common Use Over Informativeness

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babak Hemmatian ◽  
Sze Yu Yu Chan ◽  
Steven A. Sloman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Causal Relation ◽  
Causal Beliefs ◽  
Diagnostic Categories ◽  
Diagnostic Labels ◽  
Diagnostic Label ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

A label’s entrenchment, its degree of use by members of a community, affects its perceived explanatory value even if the label provides no substantive information (Hemmatian & Sloman, 2018). In three experiments, we show that laypersons and mental health professionals see entrenched psychiatric and non-psychiatric diagnostic labels as better explanations than non-entrenched labels even if they are circular. Using scenarios involving experts who discuss unfamiliar diagnostic categories, we show that this preference is not due to violations of conversational norms, lack of reflectiveness or attentiveness, and the characters’ familiarity or unfamiliarity with the label. In Experiment 1, whether a label provided novel symptom information or not had no impact on lay responses, while its entrenchment enhanced ratings of explanation quality. The effect persisted in Experiment 2 for causally incoherent categories and regardless of direct provision of mechanistic information. The effect of entrenchment was partly related to induced causal beliefs about the category, even when participants were informed there is no causal relation. Most participants in both experiments did not report any effect of entrenchment and the effect was present for those who did not. In Experiment 3, mental health professionals showed the effect using diagnoses that were mere shorthands for symptoms, despite a tendency to rate all explanations as unsatisfactory. The data suggest that bringing experts’ attention to the manipulation eliminates the effect. We discuss practical implications for mental health disciplines and potential ways to mitigate the impact of entrenchment.

scholarly journals The Impact of Internalized Stigma on LGBT Parenting and the Importance of Health Care Structures: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5373
Author(s):  
Carolina Alday-Mondaca ◽  
Siu Lay-Lisboa
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
The Impact

Research on LGBTIQ+ families has focused on the effects of being in a diverse family on the development of children. We seek to show the experience of parenthood from the perspective of LGBTIQ+ people, considering its particularities and the role that health care services play as a potential support network. We used the biographical method through open-ended interviews, participants were LGBT people, and key informants from Chile, Colombia, and Mexico were selected based on a sociostructural sampling. We found that internalized stigma impacts LGBTIQ+ parenting in five ways: the impossibility of thinking of oneself as a parent, fear of violating children’s rights, fear of passing on the stigma, fear of introducing their LGBTIQ+ partner, and the greater discrimination that trans and intersex people suffer. We identified gaps in health care perceptions: the need to guarantee universal access to health care, the need to include a gender perspective and inclusive treatment by health personnel, mental health programs with a community approach, access to assisted fertilization programs, and the generation of collaborative alliances between health services, civil society organizations, and the LGBTIQ+ community. We conclude that the health system is a crucial space from which to enable guarantees for the exercise of rights and overcome internalized stigma.

The impact of the social network, stigma and empowerment on the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Sibitz ◽  
M. Amering ◽  
A. Unger ◽  
M.E. Seyringer ◽  
A. Bachmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
The Social ◽  
Recovery Approach ◽  
The Impact

Abstract:Objective:The quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia has been found to be positively correlated with the social network and empowerment, and negatively correlated with stigma and depression. However, little is known about the way these variables impact on the QOL. The study aims to test the hypothesis that the social network, stigma and empowerment directly and indirectly by contributing to depression influence the QOL in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.Method:Data were collected on demographic and clinical variables, internalized stigma, perceived devaluation and discrimination, empowerment, control convictions, depression and QOL. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to examine the impact of the above-mentioned constructs on QOL.Results:The influences of the social network, stigma, empowerment and depression on QOL were supported by the SEM. A poor social network contributed to a lack of empowerment and stigma, which resulted in depression and, in turn, in poor QOL. Interestingly, however, the social network and stigma did not show a direct effect on QOL.Conclusions:Following a recovery approach in mental health services by focusing on the improvement of the social network, stigma reduction and especially on the development of personal strength has the potential to reduce depression in patients with psychosis and improving their QOL.

Causal Beliefs and Empirical Evidence

2011 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Müller ◽  
Rocio Garcia-Retamero ◽  
Edward Cokely ◽  
Antonio Maldonado
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Causal Beliefs ◽  
Risky Decision ◽  
Causal Judgments ◽  
Medical Diagnostic ◽  
The Impact

Causal beliefs often facilitate decision making. However, strong causal beliefs can also lead to neglect of relevant empirical evidence causing errors in risky decision making (e.g., medical, financial). We investigated the impact of pre-training and post-experience on the evaluation of empirical evidence in a two-alternative medical diagnostic task. Participants actively searched for information about two patients on the basis of four available cues. The first experiment indicated that pre-training can weaken the strong influence of causal beliefs reducing neglect of empirical evidence. The second experiment demonstrated that increasing amounts of empirical evidence can improve people’s ability to decide in favor of a correct diagnosis. The current research converges with other recent work to clarify key mechanisms and boundary conditions shaping the influence of causal beliefs and empirical evidence in decisions and causal judgments.

scholarly journals M220. SELF-STIGMA, RESILIENCE, AND RECOVERY ATTITUDES AS PREDICTORS OF FUNCTIONING IN PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S219-S220
Author(s):  
Sarah E Dihmes ◽  
Anthony Ahmed ◽  
Sherry Tucker ◽  
Alex Mabe ◽  
Peter Buckley
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Community Functioning ◽  
Stigma Resistance ◽  
Path Models ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Studies increasingly show an association between internalized stigma and increased symptoms, and poorer social and occupational functioning. Fewer studies have informed about protective traits, attitudes, and factors that may attenuate the impact of internalized stigma on psychopathology and psychosocial functioning. The current study used path analysis to examine putative intervening roles for resilience, coping, and recovery attitudes consistent with hope, empowerment, strengths, and self-direction on the effect of internalized stigma on psychopathology and function. Methods Participants were individuals diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N=84). All participants had completed training and certification as peer support specialists and included 49 individuals currently employed and 35 currently unemployed. Using mailed surveys, participants were administered the Life Stressors Inventory, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness, the Connors Davidson Resilience Scale, Maryland Assessment of Recovery in Serious Mental Illness, the Brief Symptom Inventory, Brief COPE, Social Functioning Scale, and the Social Support Questionnaire. Path analytic models were estimated using Mplus5. Three path models were estimate designating psychopathology, social support, and community function as dependent variables. Goodness of Fit indices including the Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI), the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and the Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual were used to evaluate the fit of the models to the data. Results There were associations between five subdomains of the ISMI—Alienation (r=0.47, p<0.001), Stereotype Endorsement (r=0.29, p<0.001), Discriminatory Experiences (r=0.40, p<0.001), Social Withdrawal (r=0.47, p<0.001), and Stigma Resistance(r=-0.28, p<0.01) and the severity of psychopathology. There was a significant association between internalized stigma and overall functioning (r=0.46, p<0.001). In addition, the five subdomains of the ISMI—Alienation (r=-0.53, p<0.001), Stereotype Endorsement (r=-0.40, p<0.001), Discriminatory Experiences (r=-0.39, p<0.001), Social Withdrawal (r=-0.40, p<0.001), and Stigma Resistance(r=0.35, p<0.001) were associated with ratings of the satisfaction with social support. Associations with reported amount of social support ranged from r=0.25 for Stigma Resistance to r= -0.39 for Alienation. The final path models for the severity of psychopathology (CFI/TLI = 0.955/0.933, RMSEA=0.091, SRMR =0.049), social support (CFI/TLI = 0.957/0.935, RMSEA=0.085, SRMR =0.072), and community functioning (CFI/TLI = 0.928/0.901, RMSEA=0.087, SRMR =0.09) produced adequate goodness-of-fit estimates. In all three models, the use of maladaptive coping but not the use of adaptive coping mediated the effect of internalized stigma on the dependent variable. Recovery attitudes did not significantly predict psychopathology when resilience was included in the model, suggesting possibly collinear constructs. Discussion The study demonstrates that coping styles, recovery, and resilience attitudes are associated with functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, the impact of internalized stigma on psychopathology, social, and community functioning may be mediated the use of maladaptive coping styles and attitudes consistent with resilience and adaptability.

Lived Experiences of Internalized Stigma Among HIV-Positive Adults in Delhi, India

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110225
Author(s):  
Sangeeta Sharma Dhaor
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interview ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Behavioral Issues ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Hiv Positive Adults ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact

The HIV infection is deeply associated with fear, stigma, discrimination, and internalization of the stigma. The ignorance around modes of transmission has led to many myths and misconceptions surrounding the infection. There is a stigma of contagion, along with the stigma of morality. Being ill and facing death is a situation that affects day to day living of the infected. It is not the virus but the stigmatizing environment around the infected that makes life with the virus a difficult journey. The infection leads to many behavioral issues and challenges for the infected as well as affected. In a mixed-method research, 105 HIV-positive consenting adults were recruited through the snowball method. They were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule in a confidential environment. Focus group discussions were conducted with infected males, females, men having sex with men (MSM), and uninfected partners of the infected respondents to understand the interpersonal issues and challenges. The current research explores and describes the impact of HIV and resultant internalized stigma upon the life of the infected in the background of moralistic values governing sexual behavior.

scholarly journals A study on the impact of HIV related stigma on adherence to anti-retroviral treatment among people living with HIV/AIDS in central Kerala, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1498
Author(s):  
Priyanka Rajmohan ◽  
Joe Thomas ◽  
Jubina Bency Anthoora Thodi ◽  
Unnikrishnan Uttumadathil Gopinathan
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: In India, an estimated 20,88,638 people are living with HIV/AIDS (prevalence 0.27%). The people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are facing double burden of physical and psychosocial impact of infection. This study is conducted to determine prevalence of HIV related stigma among PLHA and to find the association between stigma and adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) among HIV patients in central Kerala.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from July to December 2018 among 105 adult HIV positive patients who have enrolled in Thrissur Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (TNP PLUS). After obtaining informed consent, the participants were interviewed using a structured interview schedule consisting of questions on socio-demographic details, stigma and ART adherence.Results: The prevalence of high stigma was found to be 21% and moderate stigma 61%.Out of 105 study subjects,68 (64.8%) were found to have a high adherence to ART (≥95%) and 37 (35.2%) were found to have a low adherence (<95%). Patients who had a moderate/high internalized stigma tend to have a low adherence to ART as compared to patients who had low stigma (OR=3.4 (1.2-12.8) p=0.04). On analyzing the association between the different forms of stigma and adherence to ART, isolation by family members, abandoned by friends and verbal stigma were significantly associated with low ART adherence.Conclusions: HIV related internalized stigma was pervasive among the study subjects. These patients also experience other forms of enacted stigma. The presence of internalized stigma was found to be significantly associated with low adherence to ART.

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