Stigma in Mental health Flashcards
What is stigma?
This is a mark of shame or discredit based on a distinguishing personality trait that is perceived as physically, socially or psychologically disadvantageous.
What is a common stereotype of people with mental health problems, and why is this untrue?
That they are unpredictable, violent and dangerous. Actually, they are more likely to be harmed or harm themselves than others.
What were the findings of 2 studies on existing stigma to mental illnesses?
Nunnally 1st recognised stigma in 1960s: Mentally ill people regarded with fear, distrust and dislike by the general public
• UK Department of Health (2010): “1 in 10 don’t want to live next to someone who has a mental illness” BUT attitudes improving
Can you give examples of the impact of stigma on people?
‘Treated as less competent than others’
‘Avoided telling others that I have mental healht problems’
‘Turned down for a job;
‘Lowered self esteem, and I socialise less, and apply for less jobs’
HOWEVER:
29% agree ‘experiencing stigma has made me more motivated to recover’
What does social contact theory suggest?
This is the idea that the more time you spend with the object of the stigma, the more stigma is reduced.
What did the Alexander and link study find and what are its limitations?
Telephoned interviewd 1507 americans with different level of distance from homeless people- asked people if they perceived them as dangerous, their desired social distance from them and the amount of contact they had had. Increased frequency of contact negatively correlated with perceived dangerousness.
Limited by:
- Telephone study- less truth
- No clear temporal relationship between contact and desired prejudice (less prejudiced people seek more social contact)
- Non responders may have had more negative stigma.
What are 2 types of stigma, and what are 3 components of stigma?
Public-
Self- internalised negative attitudes held by society.
Stereotypes, Prejudice, Discrimination
