Chapter 6: Stigma, Discrimination, and Mental Health in the Workplace

Question 1

What is stigma?

Answer 1

results from prejudicial attitudes

a mark of disgrace, or an attribute that is deeply discrediting

Question 2

What is discrimination?

Answer 2

making of an unjustified distinction on the basis of a forbidden ground

acting on prejudical thoughts

Question 3

What are microaggressions?

Answer 3

everyday subtle incidents and slights that have more significant effects on the person’s health

could lead to self-stigma and self-discrimination

Question 4

What are 3 causes of stigma and discrimination?

Answer 4

• negative depictions in the media
• evolutionary basis –> programmed to be wary of people who are different from ourselves
• social environments

Question 5

What are people with schizophrenia often depicted as?

Answer 5

frightening and dangerous

Question 6

What are people with substance use problems depicted as?

Answer 6

blamed for weak morals

experience little sympathy

Question 7

people who belong to more than one stigmatized group are more prone to prejudice and discrimination. true or false

Answer 7

true

Question 8

How can we decrease stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness?

Answer 8

1. increase contact with people who have mental illnesses
2. public campaigns that educate and create awareness
3. implementing policies –> anti-discrimination laws

Question 9

Do employers often not hire people with mental health problems? if so, why?

Answer 9

yes
- fear about the risks of hiring
- worried they won’t be productive, which in turn effects companies profits

Question 10

does paid employment have benefical effects for people with mental health problems?

Answer 10

yes –> helps develop social and occupational skills, improves financial well-being

Question 11

do people with mental health problems often hide their problems if trying to get a job?

Answer 11

yes

Question 12

what are 4 things that mental health can do that affects an individual’s ability to carry out occupational roles?

Answer 12

1. presenteeism
2. absenteeism
3. poor attitude
4. conflict with coworkers

Question 13

What is the difference between presenteeism and absenteeism?

Answer 13

presenteeism = you are physically at work but mentally not there (performing at a lower level)

absenteeism = all around not physically at work (repeatedly absent from work, taking sick days)

Question 14

Workplace characteristics can increase the probability that employees will develop common mental health problems. true or fasle

Answer 14

true

Question 15

what is a number 1 trigger at work that could cause mental health problems?

Answer 15

STRESS!

Question 16

what is a “disabling environment”?

Answer 16

physical environment that imposes barriers to access or otherwise impedes an individuals function

Question 17

can risk factors of a workplace also be expressed in positive terms (exx: supportive leadership)?

Answer 17

YES!

Question 18

What are the 6 protective factors for psychological health and safety in the workplace?

Answer 18

1. organizational culture
2. recognition and rewards
3. involvement and influence
4. workload management
5. engagement
6. balance

Question 19

What is the protective factor “organizational culture”?

Answer 19

work environment that is trustworthy, honest, and fair

Question 20

What is the protective factor of “recognition and reward”?

Answer 20

acknowledges and appreciates employees efforts (ex: giving bonuses)

Question 21

What is the protective factor “involvement and influence”?

Answer 21

employees are included in ALL discussions

Question 22

What is the protective factor “workload management”?

Answer 22

tasks and responsibilities can be accomplished successfully within the time available

Question 23

What is the protective factor of “engagement”?

Answer 23

employees enjoy and feel connected to their work and feel motivated to do their job well

Question 24

What is the protective factor of “balance”?

Answer 24

need for balance between demands of work, family, and personal life

Question 25

What are 3 reasons employers should commit to enhancing mental health in their workplace?

Answer 25

1. they have a sense of responsibility
2. steady increase in legal and regulatory requirements
3. protecting workers’ mental health is a financially sound decision

Question 26

How does mental health relate to work?

Answer 26

• they are both interconnected! (mental health and workplace is in a relationship)

“people who work in the company, make the company”

Question 27

What is short term disability absence?

Answer 27

individual is inable to maintain occupational function as a result of common mental health problems

off work for 1-3 months

decision is made with doctor

Question 28

What are the benefits to short term disability absence?

Answer 28

• removed from occupational stress
• more time to engage in activities conducive to recovery
• less risk of workplace safety incidents

Question 29

What are the disadvantages to short term disability absence?

Answer 29

• inactivity/ withdrawl
• social isolation
• secondary anxiety regarding workplace
• prolonged absence is negative prognostic factor regarding whether an individual ever returns to work

Question 30

Can returning to work be difficult after a short term disability absence? if so, why

Answer 30

YES
- feel embarassed
- have self doubts
- uncomfortably aware that other employees have picked up their workload
- feel reoccurence of issues

Question 31

If people do not recover in a short period of time from their disability absence, can they potentially go on long-term disability (months-years)?

Answer 31

yes

Question 32

What are 3 current approaches to clinical management of work-related mental health problems?

Answer 32

1. short term absence
2. medical treatment –> usually drugs (ex: anti depressants)
3. counselling or psychotherapy