Chapter 6: Stigma, Discrimination, and Mental Health in the Workplace Flashcards
What is stigma?
results from prejudicial attitudes
a mark of disgrace, or an attribute that is deeply discrediting
What is discrimination?
making of an unjustified distinction on the basis of a forbidden ground
acting on prejudical thoughts
What are microaggressions?
everyday subtle incidents and slights that have more significant effects on the person’s health
could lead to self-stigma and self-discrimination
What are 3 causes of stigma and discrimination?
- negative depictions in the media
- evolutionary basis –> programmed to be wary of people who are different from ourselves
- social environments
What are people with schizophrenia often depicted as?
frightening and dangerous
What are people with substance use problems depicted as?
blamed for weak morals
experience little sympathy
people who belong to more than one stigmatized group are more prone to prejudice and discrimination. true or false
true
How can we decrease stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness?
- increase contact with people who have mental illnesses
- public campaigns that educate and create awareness
- implementing policies –> anti-discrimination laws
Do employers often not hire people with mental health problems? if so, why?
yes
- fear about the risks of hiring
- worried they won’t be productive, which in turn effects companies profits
does paid employment have benefical effects for people with mental health problems?
yes –> helps develop social and occupational skills, improves financial well-being
do people with mental health problems often hide their problems if trying to get a job?
yes
what are 4 things that mental health can do that affects an individual’s ability to carry out occupational roles?
- presenteeism
- absenteeism
- poor attitude
- conflict with coworkers
What is the difference between presenteeism and absenteeism?
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)
Workplace characteristics can increase the probability that employees will develop common mental health problems. true or fasle
true
what is a number 1 trigger at work that could cause mental health problems?
STRESS!
what is a “disabling environment”?
physical environment that imposes barriers to access or otherwise impedes an individuals function
can risk factors of a workplace also be expressed in positive terms (exx: supportive leadership)?
YES!
What are the 6 protective factors for psychological health and safety in the workplace?
- organizational culture
- recognition and rewards
- involvement and influence
- workload management
- engagement
- balance
What is the protective factor “organizational culture”?
work environment that is trustworthy, honest, and fair
What is the protective factor of “recognition and reward”?
acknowledges and appreciates employees efforts (ex: giving bonuses)
What is the protective factor “involvement and influence”?
employees are included in ALL discussions
What is the protective factor “workload management”?
tasks and responsibilities can be accomplished successfully within the time available
What is the protective factor of “engagement”?
employees enjoy and feel connected to their work and feel motivated to do their job well
What is the protective factor of “balance”?
need for balance between demands of work, family, and personal life
What are 3 reasons employers should commit to enhancing mental health in their workplace?
- they have a sense of responsibility
- steady increase in legal and regulatory requirements
- protecting workers’ mental health is a financially sound decision
How does mental health relate to work?
- they are both interconnected! (mental health and workplace is in a relationship)
“people who work in the company, make the company”
What is short term disability absence?
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
What are the benefits to short term disability absence?
- removed from occupational stress
- more time to engage in activities conducive to recovery
- less risk of workplace safety incidents
What are the disadvantages to short term disability absence?
- inactivity/ withdrawl
- social isolation
- secondary anxiety regarding workplace
- prolonged absence is negative prognostic factor regarding whether an individual ever returns to work
Can returning to work be difficult after a short term disability absence? if so, why
YES
- feel embarassed
- have self doubts
- uncomfortably aware that other employees have picked up their workload
- feel reoccurence of issues
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)?
yes
What are 3 current approaches to clinical management of work-related mental health problems?
- short term absence
- medical treatment –> usually drugs (ex: anti depressants)
- counselling or psychotherapy
