Antisocial Personality Disorder: Labeling and Stigmatization from the Perspectives of Society, Judiciary, and Clinical Practices

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent research concerning the impact of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) labeling and stigmatization within different environments. Mixed findings were found in all three environmental settings, revealing that an ASPD diagnosis (or a psychopathy label particularly in forensic settings) could result in either positive or negative outcomes. In social settings: inconsistent public responses to ASPD population were found which might suggest a situational effect in regard to ASPD symptoms, and further studies should be conducted on the subject matter. In addition, media portrayals of the ASPD population mistakenly confused ASPD individuals with psychopaths. It would then be important to study to what extent mass media contributed to ASPD stigmatization, in which fear as one contributing component was discussed. In forensic settings: findings supported the presence of ASPD stigmatization. However, considering the ambiguous boundary between ASPD and psychopath within the judicial system, more studies would be needed to investigate whether two labels triggered different levels of stigma and prejudice so as to ensure fairness and justice. In medical settings: there were mental health professionals advocating for replacing stigmatizing labels with less pejorative terms, yet other practitioners reinforced ASPD labeling and stigmatization through refusing treatment delivery that further led to discrimination and discouragement of the ASPD population. Future studies should focus more on finding better guidelines and modifications for the practical field in order to destigmatize or avoid labeling when treating ASPD populations.