Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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The Stigma Scale: a Canadian perspective
- Authors:
- MEIER Amanda, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work Research, 39(4), 2015, pp.213-222.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Stigma is a devastating psychosocial issue for many individuals with mental illness. This study examined the mental illness stigma experiences of 380 individuals with a self-reported psychiatric diagnosis in London, Ontario, Canada, using the Stigma Scale, a tool recently developed in the United Kingdom (UK). Data for the Canadian sample were examined and compared with those from the UK pilot group. Results indicated that both samples experienced mental illness stigma, with Canadian participants reporting fewer stigma experiences on close to half of the scale items. In general, the results suggested that antistigma efforts have achieved some successes, particularly for targeted recipient groups; however, the need remains for continued and varied methods of stigma reduction to eliminate stigma within society. (Publisher abstract)
Challenging the stigma of mental illness
- Authors:
- CORRIGAN Patrick, ROE David, TSANG Hector
- Publisher:
- Wiley
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 224p.
- Place of publication:
- Chichester
The authors seek to provide a practical text grounded in the experience and narratives of those who have struggled with the impact of the stigma of mental illness. They offer strategies for addressing the harmful effects of stigma attached to mental illness. In doing so they consider both major forms of stigma: public stigma, which is prejudice and discrimination endorsed by the general population; and self-stigma, the loss of self-esteem and efficacy that occurs when an individual internalises prejudice and discrimination. The book contains practical worksheets and intervention guidelines to facilitate the implementation of specific anti-stigma approaches. It is aimed at professionals and volunteers working in any capacity to challenge discrimination against mental illness.
Correlates and consequences of internalized stigma for people living with mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors:
- LIVINGSTON James D., BOYD Jennifer E.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 71(12), December 2010, pp.2150-2161.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This article presents findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of research exploring the empirical relationship between internalised stigma and a range of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and psychiatric variables for people who live with mental illness. A literature review was conducted on all articles published in English that assessed a statistical relationship between internalised stigma and at least one other variable for adults who live with mental illness. Data from 45 articles were extracted for meta-analyses. None of the sociodemographic variables that were included in the study were strongly correlated with levels of internalised stigma. Findings revealed a negative relationship between internalised stigma and a range of psychosocial variables such as hope, self-esteem, and empowerment. Internalised stigma was positively associated with psychiatric symptom severity and negatively associated with treatment adherence. The review draws attention to the lack of research in this area of study which has inhibited the clinical relevance of findings related to internalised stigma. The study also highlights the need for greater attention on the true nature of the relationship between internalised stigma and other psychosocial variables.
Mental health support groups, stigma, and self-esteem: positive and negative implications of group identification
- Authors:
- CRABTREE Jason W., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Issues, 66(3), September 2010, pp.553-569.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Stigma is said to result from possession of an attribute that conveys a negatively valued social identity. Previous research into the relationship between stigmatisation and well-being suggests that identification with a stigmatised group can buffer individuals from the adverse effects of stigma. In this article, the author suggests that, in part, this is because social identification is hypothesised to provide a basis for social support which increases resistance to stigma and rejection of negative in-group stereotypes. This study tests this model among 73 individuals with mental health problems. As hypothesised, group identification predicted increased social support, stereotype rejection, and stigma resistance. These self-protective mechanisms were found to predict higher levels of self-esteem. However, the general effect of these associations was to suppress a negative relationship between social identification and self-esteem. The paper concludes that this confirms the positive impact of identification lies in its capacity to provide access to stress-buffering mechanisms, but also indicates that the impact of identification with a severely stigmatised group is not necessarily always positive.
Organizational and individual level determinants of stigmatization in mental health services
- Authors:
- VERHAEGHE Mieke, BRACKE Piet
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 43(4), August 2007, pp.375-400.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Despite the large amount of research on the existence and the negative consequences of stigmatization of clients of mental health services, little is known about the differences between services. Using data from 520 clients of 47 rehabilitation centres in Belgium in a multilevel design, the authors studied organisational and individual characteristics explaining variation in social rejection and self-rejection. The results reveal that only a very small percentage of variance in stigmatization is explained by organizational features, such as size, composition of the client population and the kind of supplied activities. Client level characteristics affecting stigmatization are current mental health status, former mental hospitalization, and participation in psychotherapeutic activities.
Children's voices: a review of evidence on the subjective wellbeing of children with mental health needs in England
- Authors:
- APLAND Kara, et al
- Publisher:
- Children's Commissioner for England
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 30
- Place of publication:
- London
This report explores findings from an evidence review of the views and experiences of children with mental health needs, covering both views on mental health services and issues related to their subjective wellbeing. It examines the results of 8 studies identified using a rapid review methodology. Areas covered include: children’s understanding of mental health, awareness and access to mental health services; participation and engagement; self-esteem and stigma; self-efficacy and coping; and relationships. The findings show that children have limited awareness and understanding of mental health and that they conceptualise ‘mental illness in stereotyped and negative. Barriers to accessing services included unfamiliarity with the type of help and support available, fear of been seen accessing services and concerns about the lack of confidentiality of the service. Children found meaningful and supportive relationships with friends and family to be important sources of coping and support. (Edited publisher abstract)
Stigma: the feelings and experiences of 46 people with mental illness: qualitative study
- Authors:
- DINOS Sokratis, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 184(2), February 2004, pp.176-181.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Stigma defines people in terms of some distinguishing characteristic and devalues them as a consequence. The aim was to describe the relationship of stigma with mental illness, psychiatric diagnosis, treatment and its consequences of stigma for the individual. Narrative interviews were conducted by trained users of the local mental health services; 46 patients were recruited from community and day mental health services in North London. Stigma was a pervasive concern to almost all participants. People with psychosis or drug dependence were most likely to report feelings and experiences of stigma and were most affected by them. Those with depression, anxiety and personality disorders were more affected by patronising attitudes and feelings of stigma even if they had not experienced any overt discrimination. However, experiences were not universally negative. Stigma may influence how a psychiatric diagnosis is accepted, whether treatment will be adhered to and how people with mental illness function in the world. However, perceptions of mental illness and diagnoses can be helpful and non-stigmatising for some patients.