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

Abstract

Those with mental illnesses have long had to face social rejection and isolation. The social stigma that comes with having a mental illness has real consequences on the lives and experiences of those trying to manage mental health conditions. This study looked at people's attitudes and perceptions about those with mental illnesses in regard to dangerousness and potential violent behavior. The findings of this study demonstrated that many people still hold negative attitudes and beliefs about those with mental illnesses and that they are generally not that comfortable being in relationships with them. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, drug addiction, and personality disorders were among the most concerning to the participants. Black and Asian respondents had the highest levels of concern and the strongest feelings of potential dangerousness overall. In regard to gender, men felt that those with bipolar disorder were more likely to be dangerous. Both men and women generally felt that drug addiction (substance use disorder) was the most problematic in regard to dangerousness and concerns about being in relationships with these individuals. Schizophrenia was the mental illness most closely associated to violent and unpredictable behaviors. The findings from this study lend further evidence that those with mental illnesses are widely viewed in negative ways and that they are often denied full social acceptance and participation.