What predicts stigmatisation about schizophrenia? Results from a general population survey examining its underlying cognitive, affective and behavioural factors

Abstract

Stigmatisation towards individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SZ individuals) remains an important problem, yet few studies to date have examined a theoretically comprehensive set of predictors of stigmatisation. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of stigmatisation towards SZ individuals in the Belgian general population in order to better understand its underlying factors. A sample of 544 participants completed online questionnaires assessing common stereotypes regarding schizophrenia, desired social distance, level of contact and the Behaviours from Intergroup Affect and Stereotypes map (Cuddy et al., 2007). On average, most respondents believed SZ individuals are unpredictable and have a poor prognosis. Around 10% believed that they are dangerous. The most frequently reported emotions were pity and fear. Around 65% of the sample indicated that they would have positive behavioural reactions (passive/active facilitation). Around 33% of the sample indicated that they would distance themselves from SZ individuals, and around 20% would flee if in contact with a SZ individual. Fear and stereotypes of dangerousness and incompetence best predicted these fleeing and avoiding reactions. Fear was also explained by stereotypes of dangerousness and unpredictability. These factors should be accounted for when developing anti-stigma campaigns. The effect of contact should be further investigated.

Exploring the link between stigma and social representations among people with and without schizophrenia in the French context

“…This means that participants without schizophrenia would not 'mask' negative opinions towards people with schizophrenia when answering in their own name, suggesting that stigmatizing opinions on schizophrenia are not counter-normative. Moreover, previous international research has shown that the public also endorses ideas and emotions relative to pity and empathy concerning the suffering of people with schizophrenia (Thonon and Larøi, 2017). However, reference to this was rather absent from the answers of participants without schizophrenia, which could be interpreted in terms of stigma and the lack of "social" recognition of this suffering.…”

Social Disconnection in Schizophrenia and the General Community

“…For example, an online study of attitudes toward mental illness found that one-third of the sample would distance themselves from someone with schizophrenia and a full 20% would "flee" if in contact with a person with schizophrenia. 79 These responses were attributed to fear of unpredictability and perceived dangerousness. Importantly, little is known about the temporal relation between behaviors associated with the illness, social distancing and rejection, and social disability.…”

Vers une compréhension de la stigmatisation : quel est le stéréotype associé à la schizophrénie ?

“…On retrouve partiellement ces résultats en population générale belge francophone, où les facteurs les plus fréquents sont « l'imprévisibilité » et le « faible pronostic », mais la « dangerosité » est plus rare. En revanche, ce sont bien la « dangerosité » et l'« incompétence » qui sont les facteurs les plus associés à la peur et aux réactions d'évitement 11 .…”