The Stigma of Mental Illness

Abstract

Stigma surrounding major mental illness creates many barriers. People who experience mental illness face discrimination and prejudice when renting homes, applying for jobs, and accessing mental health services. The authors review the current literature regarding stigma and mental illness. They define stigma and review theories that explain its impact. Counselor training is a peak time to identify and begin to mitigate stigma related to people with mental illness. Implications for counselor training are addressed.

Stigma of mental illness and multicultural counseling self-efficacy : investigating the implications of the multicultural training environment, mental health literacy, and empathy.

“…Definitions for the stigma of mental illness vary, depending on a number of variables, including theoretical orientation and the field of study supporting a given definition (Overton, 2008). Arboleda-Florez (2002) built upon Goffman's (1963) definition of stigma by describing mental illness stigma as "a social construction whereby a distinguishing mark of social disgrace is attached to others in order to identify and devalue them" (p. 25).…”

Families with parental mental illness: supporting children in psychiatric and social services

“…Moreover, the fear of stigma can prevent someone from talking about their SMI (Chang and Horrocks 2006). Stigmatising behaviour towards someone with SMI has even been found in the attitude of some mental health professionals (Overton and Medina 2008), and perhaps among social workers as well.…”

The effects of stereotype disconfirming information and self-disclosure on stereotype endorsement, prejudice, and social tolerance of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.

“…a diagnosis of a SMI such as 'schizophrenia' or 'major depressive disorder') (Penn & Martin, 1998;Schumacher et aI., 2003). Although a bizarre physical appearance and certain social-skill deficits may indicate an otherwise healthy yet eccentric personality (Overton & Medina, 2008), SMI cues such as diagnostic labels (i.e. schizophrenia or major depressive disorder) provoke or reinforce stereotypes associated with SMIs that ultimately exacerbate the stigma process (Corrigan, 2007).…”

“…Unlike stereotypes, prejudice is the negative emotional response toward a particular group based on the stereotypes associated with that group (Bergen, 2001;Overton & Medina, 2008). Emotional responses to people with SMls are not necessarily negative and include feelings of/ear ("People with mental disorders scare me.…”

“…"), and pity ("I want to help people with mental disorders.") (Angermeyer & Matschinger, 1996;Angermeyer et al 2010;Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2003;Brohan et aI., 2010;Corrigan et aI., 2007b;Krueger, 1996;Overton & Medina, 2008). People respond to individuals with SMIs with positive emotions (pity) primarily and anger and fear less frequently (Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2003;Angermeyer et aI.,2010).…”