Social workers' attributions towards individuals with dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness

Abstract

The results are discussed in relation to the core values of social work and to professional identity.

An examination of perceptions of individuals with an intellectual disability, with and without co‐morbid schizophrenia: effects of labels on stigma

“…One study did examine stigma towards those with an ID and co‐occurring mental health diagnosis in social workers. They found the stereotype of dangerousness was the strongest predictor of stigmatising behaviours (Araten‐Bergman & Werner ). Although the impact of belonging to multiple stigmatised groups is not well studied, it has been shown that belonging to multiple stigmatised groups can increase the amount of stigma experienced (Burke‐Miller et al .…”

Still Stigmatized? People’s Beliefs and Attitudes about Mental Illness and Dangerousness

“…To get a better sense of this we must look at the prevailing evidence and allow the empirical data to inform us on these matters. According to Araten-Bergman and Werner [27] there are some elevated risks when it comes to dual-diagnoses. For example, R. Berger DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1104768 4 Open Access Library Journal there appears to be an increased risk of violence when people are dealing with co-existing diagnoses involving intellectual disabilities, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder [16] [25] [27].…”

“…According to Araten-Bergman and Werner [27] there are some elevated risks when it comes to dual-diagnoses. For example, R. Berger DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1104768 4 Open Access Library Journal there appears to be an increased risk of violence when people are dealing with co-existing diagnoses involving intellectual disabilities, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder [16] [25] [27]. Other researchers have found additional clinical disorders to also come with a higher risk of violent behavior, such as with personality disorders (e.g., antisocial and borderline), alcohol addiction, delusional disorder, attention-hyperactivity disorder, and developmental disorders [4] [19] [20].…”

“…It is also critical to understand how professionals that work with mentally ill individuals think about them and what their attitudes are towards them. Research has demonstrated that even professional social workers often hold negative attitudes and perceptions about those with mental illnesses [27]. The evidence also seems to indicate that there is a pattern with many social workers where they develop increasingly negative attitudes toward those with certain mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and even develop an increasing fear and sense of anger toward them [18] [24] [27].…”

“…Research has demonstrated that even professional social workers often hold negative attitudes and perceptions about those with mental illnesses [27]. The evidence also seems to indicate that there is a pattern with many social workers where they develop increasingly negative attitudes toward those with certain mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and even develop an increasing fear and sense of anger toward them [18] [24] [27]. Kesic and Thomas [29] found in their research that police officers often have negative attitudes and perceptions toward those with mental disorders.…”