Internalised stigma in mental health: An investigation of the role of attachment style

Abstract

Internalised stigma is associated with a range of negative outcomes, yet little is known about what determines the internalisation of stigma. In this study we examined the potential role of adult attachment style in the internalisation process in a transdiagnostic sample of adults with experience of recent mental health service use (n = 122), using an online survey. Associations between internalised stigma and perceived public stigma were tested. We also examined whether anxious and avoidant (insecure) attachment styles were positively associated with a significant amount of variance in internalised stigma when controlling for other variables, and whether the relationship between perceived public stigma and internalised stigma was moderated by anxious and avoidant attachment. We found that internalised stigma, perceived public stigma and insecure attachment were commonly reported and that internalised stigma was positively associated with perceived public stigma. However, neither anxious or avoidant attachment were associated with a significant amount of variance in internalised stigma and we found no moderating effect on the relationship between perceived public stigma and internalised stigma for insecure attachment. Despite mixed results, the strength of association between anxious attachment and internalised stigma suggests further research, which addresses some limitations of the current study, is warranted.

Restriction of the Rights and Coercion of Patients in a Psychiatric Hospital: The Opinion of People With Mental Disorders and Psychiatrists

“…Permissible social distance in relation to mentally ill patients among psychiatrists was significantly more distant than among patients, which is consistent with previous studies [26,27], confirming the high level of stigmatization of patients by society and psychiatrists. The chance of having friendships and family relationships with this population was 5.4 times higher among the patients than doctors, indicating a lower level of stigma in patients.…”

Stigma of eating disorders and recovery‐related outcomes: A systematic review

“…This is known as anticipated stigma, which Earnshaw (2012) defines as the belief that discrimination will be directed at the self from others in the future, due to the stigmatised condition or identity. Moreover, the stigma surrounding ED diagnosis may mean that people feel labelled by their disorder, leading to the internalisation of stigmatising experiences, stemming from negative attitudes held by others (Bradstreet, 2018). This is often referred to as internalised stigma.…”

How does mental health stigma get under the skin? Cross-sectional analysis using the Health Survey for England

“…Some people may find their identity empowers them and that they can use their anger to improve their own circumstances and help others. Indeed, research has demonstrated that public stigma and self-stigma are correlated, but not necessarily strongly associated (Bradstreet, Dodd, & Jones, 2018; Chronister, Chou, & Liao, 2013). Structural, or institutional stigma, occurs when policies, rules or regulations within society intentionally marginalise the opportunities of those with mental disorders or produce unintended consequences that hinder their prospects, resources and wellbeing (Corrigan, Markowitz, & Watson, 2004; Hatzenbuehler, 2016; Rusch & Thornicroft, 2014).…”