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Participatory action research with asylum seekers and refugees experiencing stigma and discrimination: the experience from Scotland
- Author:
- QUINN Neil
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 29(1), 2014, pp.58-70.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Using evidence from a participatory action research process with over 100 asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland, this study explores participants’ views on mental health problems, stigma and discrimination. The study found that migration can have adverse effects on mental health and well-being, due to racism and the asylum process, and this is worsened by stigma and discrimination. This stigma is influenced by both social and cultural causal factors, including fear, past trauma, isolation, racism and the stress of the asylum process coupled with negative cultural beliefs about mental health problems. The paper considers the international relevance of this approach and the value of a model grounded in principles of community development and grassroots action. (Publisher abstract)
Workplace interventions can reduce stigma
- Authors:
- KNIFTON Lee, WALKER Alice, QUINN Neil
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 7(4), December 2009, pp.40-50.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health problems is a global issue, imposing a considerable public health burden in terms of social isolation, limited life chances, delayed help-seeking behaviour and stress. While numerous initiatives have been undertaken to address these issues, an evidence base for what works is still emerging. This paper explores the impact of 15 population-level awareness workshops delivered over a five-month period to 137 participants. These were employees drawn from workplaces identified as being important in the day-to-day lives of people with mental health problems. Evaluation approaches maximised specificity, sensitivity and anonymity and they assessed participant knowledge, attitude and behaviour. The workshops significantly improved participant knowledge. Attitude change was more complex with an overall significant improvement in attitudes, particularly in relation to unpredictability and recovery, but not dangerousness, which had more positive baseline attitudes. Social distance, a proxy for behavioural intent, had significant improvements in relation to ‘moderate’ social contact only. Qualitative feedback indicated that complex, unanticipated and positive messages had been absorbed by participants and influenced beliefs and behavioural intent. Service user narratives focusing on recovery were identified as the most valuable component of the intervention.
Promoting recovery and addressing stigma: mental health awareness through community development in low-income area
- Authors:
- QUINN Neil, KNIFTON Lee
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 7(4), November 2005, pp.36-44.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article outlines the development of an anti-stigma programme operating in Scotland and presents key findings from the evaluation. The innovative model, which promotes recovery and addresses stigma, draws on a broad coalition of community support, and enable service users to lead its design and delivery. It is argued that local initiatives, when complemented by a national programme, can achieve a positive additional impact on attitudes and behaviours; that multiple and flexible approaches are needed for different target groups; that the personal narrative about recovery has a particularly strong impact on participants; and that it may be desirable to tackle stigma in the context of addressing positive mental health. Refinements to the model are discussed.