Dataset Information

Continuum beliefs in the stigma process regarding persons with schizophrenia and depression: results of path analyses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Individuals with mental illness often experience stigmatization and encounter stereotypes such as being dangerous or unpredictable. To further improve measures against psychiatric stigma, it is of importance to understand its components. In this study, we attend to the step of separation between "us" and "them" in the stigma process as conceptualized by Link and Phelan. In using the belief in continuity of mental illness symptoms as a proxy for separation, we explore its associations with stereotypes, emotional responses and desire for social distance in the stigma process.

Methods

Analyses are based on a representative survey in Germany. Vignettes with symptoms suggestive of schizophrenia (n = 1,338) or depression (n = 1,316) were presented to the respondents, followed by questions on continuum belief, stereotypes, emotional reactions and desire for social distance. To examine the relationship between these items, path models were computed.

Results

Respondents who endorsed the continuum belief tended to show greater prosocial reactions (schizophrenia: 0.07; p < 0.001, depression: 0.09; p < 0.001) and less desire for social distance (schizophrenia: -0.13; p < 0.001, depression: -0.14; p < 0.001) toward a person with mental illness. In both cases, agreement with the stereotypes of unpredictability and dangerousness was positively associated with feelings of anger and fear as well as desire for social distance. There were no statistically significant relations between stereotypes and continuum beliefs.

Discussion

Assumptions regarding continuum beliefs in the stigma process were only partially confirmed. However, there were associations of continuum beliefs with less stigmatizing attitudes toward persons affected by either schizophrenia or depression. Including information on continuity of symptoms, and thus oppose perceived separation, could prove helpful in future anti-stigma campaigns.

SUBMITTER: Makowski AC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5045891 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Continuum beliefs in the stigma process regarding persons with schizophrenia and depression: results of path analyses.

Makowski Anna C AC Mnich Eva E EE Angermeyer Matthias C MC von dem Knesebeck Olaf O

PeerJ 20160927

<h4>Background</h4>Individuals with mental illness often experience stigmatization and encounter stereotypes such as being dangerous or unpredictable. To further improve measures against psychiatric stigma, it is of importance to understand its components. In this study, we attend to the step of separation between "us" and "them" in the stigma process as conceptualized by Link and Phelan. In using the belief in continuity of mental illness symptoms as a proxy for separation, we explore its assoc ...[more]

PMID: 27703840

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Dataset Information

Continuum beliefs in the stigma process regarding persons with schizophrenia and depression: results of path analyses.

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

Continuum beliefs in the stigma process regarding persons with schizophrenia and depression: results of path analyses.

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