Evans-Lacko, Sara 
ORCID: 0000-0003-4691-2630, Brohan, E., Mojtabai, R. and Thornicroft, G.
(2011)
Association between public views of mental illness and self-stigma among individuals with mental illness in 14 European countries.
Psychological Medicine, 42 (8).
pp. 1741-52.
ISSN 0033-2917
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about how the views of the public are related to self-stigma among people with mental health problems. Despite increasing activity aimed at reducing mental illness stigma, there is little evidence to guide and inform specific anti-stigma campaign development and messages to be used in mass campaigns. A better understanding of the association between public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours and the internalization of stigma among people with mental health problems is needed. METHOD: This study links two large, international datasets to explore the association between public stigma in 14 European countries (Eurobarometer survey) and individual reports of self-stigma, perceived discrimination and empowerment among persons with mental illness (n=1835) residing in those countries [the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN) study]. RESULTS: Individuals with mental illness living in countries with less stigmatizing attitudes, higher rates of help-seeking and treatment utilization and better perceived access to information had lower rates of self-stigma and perceived discrimination and those living in countries where the public felt more comfortable talking to people with mental illness had less self-stigma and felt more empowered. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting the general public through mass anti-stigma interventions may lead to a virtuous cycle by disrupting the negative feedback engendered by public stigma, thereby reducing self-stigma among people with mental health problems. A combined approach involving knowledge, attitudes and behaviour is needed; mass interventions that facilitate disclosure and positive social contact may be the most effective. Improving availability of information about mental health issues and facilitating access to care and help-seeking also show promise with regard to stigma.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Official URL: | http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJourna... |
| Additional Information: | © 2011 Cambridge University Press |
| Divisions: | Personal Social Services Research Unit |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Aug 2015 13:42 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Apr 2024 01:12 |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/63021 |
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