Social Stigma Towards Mental Health Problems in Spain: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Stigma towards psychological problems is an ongoing issue that negatively affects people living with these circumstances, diminishing their quality of life and well-being. This stigma can even aggravate the symptomatology itself and hinder the recovery process (Corrigan et al., 2012;Del Rosal et al., 2020;Livingston & Boyd, 2010).The Mental Illness Stigma Framework (MISF) (Fox et al., 2018) conceptualises stigma towards mental health problems from two perspectives: that of the person who stigmatises and that of the stigmatised person. The conceptual cores of the stigmatiser, which make up social stigma, refer to stereotypes (cognitive dimension), prejudice (affective dimension), and discrimination (behavioural dimension) (Corrigan & Watson, 2002). Therefore, social stigma occurs when the general population, based on their shared beliefs about the illness and the negative emotions it generates, acts in a discriminatory manner towards people with psychological problems. From the perspective of the stigmatised person, meanwhile, there is internalised stigma, resulting from the internalisation and selfapplication of these prejudices and stereotypes, as well as from the discriminatory experiences lived (Livingston & Boyd, 2010). Finally, as a common element in both prisms, there is structural stigma, which limits the opportunities of people with psychological problems at institutional, political and legal levels (Fox et al., 2018).

The stigma of mental health problems: A cross-sectional study in a representative sample of Spain

“…In relation to the sociodemographic variables, the results show that in general, knowing someone with a MHP, talking about MHPs and a higher level of education are protective factors against stigma in its different manifestations. This is consistent with previous research, which point to education as a protective factor as well as the importance of social contact (Aznar-Lou et al, 2016; Hansson & Björkman, 2005; Zamorano et al, 2023). In addition, mental health talk and discourses of disclosure have previously been shown to be key to reducing stigma in both theoretical models and intervention programs (González-Sanguino et al, 2023; Rüsch et al, 2019; Sampogna, Bakolis, Evans-Lacko et al, 2017).…”

“…While in Germany, it is highlighted that, although there has been an increase in mental health literacy and acceptance of professional help, no improvement in attitudes is observed (Angermeyer & Schomerus, 2017). In Spain, a recent review (Zamorano et al, 2023) found similar results to other European countries, with controversial results regarding gender and higher levels of stigma in older people.…”

“…These results are contrary to those found in other studies in Catalonia, where being female and younger was associated with less stigma (Aznar-Lou et al, 2016; Rubio-Valera et al, 2016). However, other research has pointed out the lack of consistency in relation to stigma in these variables in Spain and internationally (Bradbury, 2020; Zamorano et al, 2023).…”

Social stigma toward people experiencing homelessness: A survey with a representative sample in Spain.

“…Additionally, individuals engaged in unpaid domestic tasks, primarily women, also show more understanding attitudes but with more stigmatizing attributions. However, in reference to other populations such as people with mental health problems, evidence shows that women stigmatize less in all three dimensions of social stigma (Bradbury, 2020; Zamorano et al, 2023). These findings suggest that, specially toward PEH, gender can play a complex role in the formation of social stigma.…”

Public perception of psychiatry, psychology and mental health professionals: a 15-year analysis

“…Finally, sentiment analysis revealed that the majority of the analyzed terms were associated with negative emotions, such as fear, anger, or sadness. The stigma surrounding mental illnesses and those who suffer from them is still evident in common assumptions that these conditions and individuals are unpredictable and dangerous ( 54 , 55 ). On X, although it may seem that the discourse about various aspects of mental health, such as seeking help, promoting mental health, and medication use, has increased, the negative emotions associated with these topics persist.…”