scholarly journals Destigmatising Schizophrenia: An Investigation into the Effects of Different Causal Explanations upon Stigma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hannah Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
No Reduction ◽  
Causal Explanation ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Great Support ◽  
Designed Experiment

<p>While many people with mental illnesses are stigmatised, those with schizophrenia are the most severely stigmatised group (Crisp, Gelder, Rix, Meltzer, & Rowlands, 2000; Marie & Miles, 2008; Pescosolido et al., 1999). A vast body of psychology research has been devoted to investigating how education – particularly education about the causes of schizophrenia – can reduce this stigma that is attached to schizophrenia. While there is great support for the notion that education in general can reduce stigma (e.g. Costin & Kerr, 1962; Griffiths, Christensen, Jorm, Evans, & Groves, 2004; Ritterfeld & Jin, 2006), there is still disagreement regarding exactly which set of causal factors the general public should be educated about – biogenetic or psychosocial? Until now, only three previous studies (Lincoln, Arens, Berger, & Rief, 2008; Schlier, Schmick, & Lincoln, 2014; Walker & Read, 2002) have experimentally compared teaching a purely biogenetic causal explanation to teaching a purely psychosocial causal explanation. The results of this research appear to be somewhat contradictory leading to the need for another, more robustly designed experiment. In the present research, two experiments were conducted in which participants’ level of stigma was measured after they were given a biogenetic causal explanation of schizophrenia, a psychosocial explanation, or given no causal explanation. It was predicted that participants given a causal explanation would show reduced levels of stigma compared to participants given no causal information, and that there would be a significant difference in the stigma reduction effectiveness between types of causal explanation. Contrary to these expectations, the results of Experiment One showed no reduction in stigma when participants were given a causal explanation compared to no causal explanation, and revealed no significant differences in stigma reduction efficacy between the biogenetic and psychosocial causal explanations. Experiment Two utilised the same basic paradigm as Experiment One but with the addition of more convincing causal explanations and a manipulation check. The results of Experiment Two gave evidence that both a biogenetic and psychosocial causal explanation successfully reduces discrimination compared to giving no information on the causes of schizophrenia. In addition, a purely biogenetic causal explanation was also found to successfully reduce belief in other stereotypes compared to a psychosocial causal explanation or no causal explanation. Thus, I conclude that stigma can be effectively reduced by providing education about the causes of schizophrenia, and that a biogenetic causal explanation is a more effective stigma reduction tool as it reduces multiple types of stigma. Strengths, limitations, implications and future directions are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Destigmatising Schizophrenia: An Investigation into the Effects of Different Causal Explanations upon Stigma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hannah Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
No Reduction ◽  
Causal Explanation ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Great Support ◽  
Designed Experiment

<p>While many people with mental illnesses are stigmatised, those with schizophrenia are the most severely stigmatised group (Crisp, Gelder, Rix, Meltzer, & Rowlands, 2000; Marie & Miles, 2008; Pescosolido et al., 1999). A vast body of psychology research has been devoted to investigating how education – particularly education about the causes of schizophrenia – can reduce this stigma that is attached to schizophrenia. While there is great support for the notion that education in general can reduce stigma (e.g. Costin & Kerr, 1962; Griffiths, Christensen, Jorm, Evans, & Groves, 2004; Ritterfeld & Jin, 2006), there is still disagreement regarding exactly which set of causal factors the general public should be educated about – biogenetic or psychosocial? Until now, only three previous studies (Lincoln, Arens, Berger, & Rief, 2008; Schlier, Schmick, & Lincoln, 2014; Walker & Read, 2002) have experimentally compared teaching a purely biogenetic causal explanation to teaching a purely psychosocial causal explanation. The results of this research appear to be somewhat contradictory leading to the need for another, more robustly designed experiment. In the present research, two experiments were conducted in which participants’ level of stigma was measured after they were given a biogenetic causal explanation of schizophrenia, a psychosocial explanation, or given no causal explanation. It was predicted that participants given a causal explanation would show reduced levels of stigma compared to participants given no causal information, and that there would be a significant difference in the stigma reduction effectiveness between types of causal explanation. Contrary to these expectations, the results of Experiment One showed no reduction in stigma when participants were given a causal explanation compared to no causal explanation, and revealed no significant differences in stigma reduction efficacy between the biogenetic and psychosocial causal explanations. Experiment Two utilised the same basic paradigm as Experiment One but with the addition of more convincing causal explanations and a manipulation check. The results of Experiment Two gave evidence that both a biogenetic and psychosocial causal explanation successfully reduces discrimination compared to giving no information on the causes of schizophrenia. In addition, a purely biogenetic causal explanation was also found to successfully reduce belief in other stereotypes compared to a psychosocial causal explanation or no causal explanation. Thus, I conclude that stigma can be effectively reduced by providing education about the causes of schizophrenia, and that a biogenetic causal explanation is a more effective stigma reduction tool as it reduces multiple types of stigma. Strengths, limitations, implications and future directions are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Reducing Stigma Toward Schizophrenia: An Investigation into what Information is Most Effective at Decreasing Negative Attitudes to Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Danielle Hayward
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Causal Explanation ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Prejudice And Discrimination

<p>Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that manifests psychotic symptoms and largely affects an individual’s day to day functioning (Silva et al., 2017). In addition to the incapacitating symptoms of this disorder, patients with schizophrenia face another central concern: stigma (Stuart, 2016). In light of this, an abundance of previous research has been dedicated to discerning the most effective and feasible methods to reduce stigma towards mental illness (Corrigan, 2001). In particular, a large body of research has suggested that education - or more specifically, educating people about the causes of schizophrenia - may be an effective way to achieve this goal (e.g. Boysen & Vogel, 2008). So far, two causal explanations have dominated the literature; psychosocial causal explanations and biogenetic causal explanations. However, only a small number of experimental studies have directly compared the teaching of these opposing two models on levels of stigma (Lincoln, Arens, Berger, & Rief, 2008; Schlier, Schmick, & Lincoln, 2014; Walker & Read, 2002). The findings from these studies show that the effects of causal explanations on stigma are contradictory, thus highlighting the need for another experiment to discern the actual successfulness of these methods at reducing negative attitudes towards schizophrenia. Additionally, due to the mixed findings in the literature regarding the effectiveness of etiological information at lowering stigma, it seems warranted that further exploration into novel, educational teachings is conducted to establish whether causal information really is the most appropriate educational explanation to enlist if stigma reduction is the end goal. In the current research, two experiments were conducted where participants were provided different explanations for schizophrenia (both causal and non-causal in nature) or no explanation at all. Participants received either a biogenetic causal explanation of schizophrenia, a psychosocial causal explanation of schizophrenia, or a creative explanation for schizophrenia, (Experiment One). Comparatively, in Experiment Two participants were provided either a causal explanation for schizophrenia (biogenetic, psychosocial, epigenetic) or, no information at all. Findings from both experiments suggested there were no significant differences between the levels of prejudice and discrimination of participants who saw information which was causal in nature, and those who did not. Further, no evidence was found to support the hypothesis that different causal explanations have varying effects on stigma. Moreover, the previously untested explanations for schizophrenia did not produce stigma reducing effects. Strengths, limitations, implications and future directions are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Reducing Stigma Toward Schizophrenia: An Investigation into what Information is Most Effective at Decreasing Negative Attitudes to Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Danielle Hayward
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Causal Explanation ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Prejudice And Discrimination

<p>Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that manifests psychotic symptoms and largely affects an individual’s day to day functioning (Silva et al., 2017). In addition to the incapacitating symptoms of this disorder, patients with schizophrenia face another central concern: stigma (Stuart, 2016). In light of this, an abundance of previous research has been dedicated to discerning the most effective and feasible methods to reduce stigma towards mental illness (Corrigan, 2001). In particular, a large body of research has suggested that education - or more specifically, educating people about the causes of schizophrenia - may be an effective way to achieve this goal (e.g. Boysen & Vogel, 2008). So far, two causal explanations have dominated the literature; psychosocial causal explanations and biogenetic causal explanations. However, only a small number of experimental studies have directly compared the teaching of these opposing two models on levels of stigma (Lincoln, Arens, Berger, & Rief, 2008; Schlier, Schmick, & Lincoln, 2014; Walker & Read, 2002). The findings from these studies show that the effects of causal explanations on stigma are contradictory, thus highlighting the need for another experiment to discern the actual successfulness of these methods at reducing negative attitudes towards schizophrenia. Additionally, due to the mixed findings in the literature regarding the effectiveness of etiological information at lowering stigma, it seems warranted that further exploration into novel, educational teachings is conducted to establish whether causal information really is the most appropriate educational explanation to enlist if stigma reduction is the end goal. In the current research, two experiments were conducted where participants were provided different explanations for schizophrenia (both causal and non-causal in nature) or no explanation at all. Participants received either a biogenetic causal explanation of schizophrenia, a psychosocial causal explanation of schizophrenia, or a creative explanation for schizophrenia, (Experiment One). Comparatively, in Experiment Two participants were provided either a causal explanation for schizophrenia (biogenetic, psychosocial, epigenetic) or, no information at all. Findings from both experiments suggested there were no significant differences between the levels of prejudice and discrimination of participants who saw information which was causal in nature, and those who did not. Further, no evidence was found to support the hypothesis that different causal explanations have varying effects on stigma. Moreover, the previously untested explanations for schizophrenia did not produce stigma reducing effects. Strengths, limitations, implications and future directions are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Mechanism, process and the wider context of economic geography

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie MacLeavy
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Economic Geography ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Critical Realism ◽  
Causal Explanation ◽  
Transformative Change ◽  
Methodological Development ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Analytical Approaches

This commentary responds to Henry Wai-chung Yeung’s call to develop clearer causal explanations in geography through mechanism-based thinking. His suggested use of a critical realist framework to ground geographical research on economies is, on one level, appealing and may help to counteract taken-for-granted assumptions about socio-spatial conditions and the significance of economic structures for everyday lived experiences. However, the general lack of applied critical realist research means the distinction between ‘mechanism’ and ‘process’ is often difficult to define in analyses of specific empirical events or geographical episodes. Not only is there a need for methodological development but, I suggest, also for greater recognition of critical realism as a reflective practice. We need to consider the means by which scholars distinguish between contingent and necessary relations, identify structures and counterfactuals and infer how mechanisms work out in particular places. The critical realist goal of advancing transformative change through the provision of causal explanation relies upon inferences made on the basis of researcher experience. Hence, we need to recognise that research is always a political practice and be careful not to discount knowledge borne from other analytical approaches.

scholarly journals T233. CULTURAL CONSENSUS AND HIGH EXPRESSED EMOTION IN RELATIVES OF PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA AT THE MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE OF JALISCO, MEXICO

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S321-S322
Author(s):  
Ricardo Audiffred ◽  
Javier Eduardo García de Alba García
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Expressed Emotion ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Cultural Consensus ◽  
Health Institute ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mental Health Institute

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects almost 21 million people (WHO, 2017), in areas like: cognition, perception, language, behavior, and in its general functionality. Also generates complications in primary caregivers, whom in different studies have shown levels of emotional, physical and financial overload (De la higuera, 2005). This variables creates environments with High Expressed Emotionality (EE) in these families. EE is characterized by a series of relationships and communications in the family environment, loaded with negative assessments, criticism, control and over-involvement; such dynamics causes poor self-concept in individuals with psychosis, difficulty in adhering to treatment, negative emotional behaviors, symptomatic exacerbations and continuous relapses according to Rosenfarb, et al. (2000), Barrowclough, et al. (2003), and Sellwood, et al (2003). Methods This research had a Mixed method design, with an exploratory sequential strategy. The main objective of this study was to Identify the association between cultural consensus and expressed emotion in relatives of people with schizophrenia from the Mental Health Institute of Jalisco, México (SALME). The universe involved 40 relatives from 18 families of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, users of SALME. The sample was calculated based on Weller and Romney (1998) proporsal to obtain a level of proficiency higher than 50% for cognitive anthropology samples, with a confidence level of 95% and error of 5%. The EE was evaluated with the Seclén & Guanilo (1993) Familiar Expressed Emotionality Scale. The Cultural consensus was analized with Anthropac program for cultural domain analysis. Results 66% of the families had high expressed emotion (EE) and 45% of the sample were cataloged with a high EE. A significant difference was found among relatives who had high EE and lower knowledge about schizophrenia vs relatives who had greater scientific knowledge and lower EE (t= -9.15, p=.00 /U. Mann-Witney= 1.00, p=.00). There was no evidence of a significant association between high EE and sociodemographic variables such as: sex, education, type of family member, occupation or religion. There was only a significant association between high EE and relatives living with the patient (x2 = 4.82, p≤.05) versus those relatives who only participated in day care. Discussion The sample of relatives contemplated for this study was similar to the number of families that have been included in other studies, for example: Jeff & Kuipers, et al (1982) or Guidorizzi, et al (2012). However, this design and research purposes were innovative in this area since there wasn′t found any reference from another study that addresses the issue of cultural consensus in schizophrenia, nor its relationship with high EE in relatives of people with this disorder. Conclusion: The less scientific knowledge about schizophrenia, the more expressed emotionality is shown.The importance of psychoeducation is highlighted to promote scientific knowledge of mental illnesses in order to reduce high EE.

Actual Causality

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Y. Halpern
Keyword(s):  
Program Verification ◽  
Causal Explanation ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Language Usage ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Actual Causation ◽  
Legal Case ◽  
The World ◽  
Legal Arguments ◽  
Definition Of

Causality plays a central role in the way people structure the world; we constantly seek causal explanations for our observations. But what does it even mean that an event C “actually caused” event E? The problem of defining actual causation goes beyond mere philosophical speculation. For example, in many legal arguments, it is precisely what needs to be established in order to determine responsibility. The philosophy literature has been struggling with the problem of defining causality since Hume. In this book, Joseph Halpern explores actual causality, and such related notions as degree of responsibility, degree of blame, and causal explanation. The goal is to arrive at a definition of causality that matches our natural language usage and is helpful, for example, to a jury deciding a legal case, a programmer looking for the line of code that cause some software to fail, or an economist trying to determine whether austerity caused a subsequent depression. Halpern applies and expands an approach to causality that he and Judea Pearl developed, based on structural equations. He carefully formulates a definition of causality, and building on this, defines degree of responsibility, degree of blame, and causal explanation. He concludes by discussing how these ideas can be applied to such practical problems as accountability and program verification.

scholarly journals Exercise and Time Perception: An Exploration of the Impact of High Intensity Cardio Exercise (Zumba) on Human Timing

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeevita S. Pillai ◽  
Aoife McLoughlin
Keyword(s):  
Time Perception ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Interval Timing ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Temporal Bisection ◽  
Experience Of Time ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Time is an important aspect of people’s lives and how it is perceived has a great impact on how we function, which includes whether we engage in activities such as exercise that are beneficial for our health. These activities can also have impact on our experience of time. The current study aims to investigate human interval timing after completion of one of two tasks: listening to an audiobook, or engaging in a Zumba workout. Participants in this study completed two temporal bisection tasks (pre and post intervention). Bisection points (point of subjective equality) and Weber’s ratios (sensitivity to time) were examined. It was hypothesised that individuals in the Zumba condition would experience a distortion in their timing post workout consistent with an increase in pacemaker speed. Unexpectedly there appeared to be no significant difference in bisection points across or within (pre/post) the conditions, suggesting that neither intervention had an impact on an internal pacemaker. However, there were significant differences in sensitivity to timing after Zumba Fitness suggesting a potential attentional focus post workout. Implications and future directions are also discussed.

scholarly journals Characterizing the Skin and Gut Microbiome of Alopecia Areata Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Margit Juhasz ◽  
Siwei Chen ◽  
Arash Khosrovi-Eghbal ◽  
Chloe Ekelem ◽  
Yessica Landaverde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alopecia Areata ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Fecal Microbiome ◽  
Autoimmune Attack ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Control Study

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is caused by autoimmune attack of the hair follicle. The exact pathogenesis is unknown, but hypotheses include innate immunity imbalance, environmental exposures, genetic predisposition, and possibly the microbiome. The objective of this study was to characterize the skin and gut microbiome of AA patients, and compare microbial composition to healthy individuals. Methods: This was a pilot, case-control study. Scalp and fecal microbiome samples were collected from 25 AA patients, and 25 age, gender, and race-matched healthy controls in Southern California with no significant difference in demographic characteristics. After library preparation and identification of bacterial and fungal taxonomy, multivariant analysis was performed to compare AA and healthy microbiomes. Results: The AA scalp microbiome was significant for decreased Clostridia and Malasseziomycetes, and the gut microbiome was significant for decreased Bacteroidia and increased Bacilli (p<0.05) compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: The composition of the AA bacterial and fungal, scalp and gut microbiome is significantly different than healthy individuals. Future directions include using this data to characterize microbial changes associated with AA patient diet, relating to disease severity, and predicting disease progression, prognosis and/or therapeutic response.

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