An Experimental Examination of the Effectiveness of Framing Strategies to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

Abstract

This work was supported by Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek -Vlaanderen (FWO, ww.fwo.be/en/) under Grant FWO G070416N.

Using counterframing strategies to enhance anti-stigma campaigns related to mental illness

“…Experimental research has demonstrated that the way in which issues are framed can influence the audience's attitudes (Lecheler & De Vreese, 2019). These effects extend to health-related topics -including dementia (e.g., Van Gorp et al, 2012), obesity (e.g., McGlynn, & McGlone, 2018 and mental illnesses (e.g., Vyncke & Van Gorp, 2018). This suggests that stigmatizing frames foster stigma, and as such, it is critical to dispel them.…”

“…Stigma literature has presented redefinition as a possible way to reduce both stigma and internalized stigma, at least if this novel definition resonates with the public's preexisting attitudes and understanding of the world (Clair et al, 2016;Thoits, 2011). However, messages perceived as unpersuasive may unintentionally increase stigma (Chong & Druckman, 2007;Vyncke & Van Gorp, 2018). This risk may be reduced by using frames that contain a cultural element, such as references to myths or archetypes (Van Gorp et al, 2012).…”

“…This will likely lead to diffuse effects because people differ in how they conceptualize mental illnesses. People without personal experience tend to hold more stigmatizing attitudes (Griffiths et al, 2008;Vyncke & Van Gorp, 2018). As a result, they may complete the reasoning in a stigmatizing way (e.g., "They may not be to blame for their illness, but they still are unpredictable").…”

“…The analyses will take into account several variables that extant literature has identified as predicting mental illness stigma (Crisp et al, 2005;Griffiths et al, 2008;Vyncke & Van Gorp, 2018). Female gender, having had more education, or having a higher socio-economic background are generally associated with having less stigmatizing attitudes.…”

“…Further, people tend to exhibit less public stigma if they have had personal interactions with people with a mental illness, or have personally experienced a mental illness (Crisp et al, 2005;Griffiths et al, 2008;Vyncke & Van Gorp, 2018). On the other hand, people exhibit higher stigma if they perceive people with a mental illness as being responsible for their illness (Corrigan et al, 2003;Vyncke & Van Gorp, 2018). Finally, depressive symptomatology has been associated with higher internalized stigma (Boyd et al, 2014).…”