Associations of Perceived Discrimination With Impaired Functioning in a Population Sample With Psychological Distress

Abstract

Objective To test associations between perceived discrimination based on mental health status and impaired functioning in a population sample with psychological distress. Methods Interviews were conducted with a sample of respondents to the California Health Interview Survey with mild, moderate, or severe psychological distress. Perceived discrimination was assessed using 14 items covering four domains in which discrimination is reported: social, partner, institutional, and work. Associations of perceived discrimination scores (total score and domain scores) with impaired functioning, measured by the likelihood and number of days out of role, were estimated with statistical adjustment for demographic characteristics and serious psychological distress. Results Discrimination domain scores are significantly correlated (r ranging from .34 to .65). Total discrimination score is associated with having days out of role (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.10–1.30) and with number of days out of role (5.5 days) after adjustment for demographics and psychological distress. The high correlation among the domain scores makes the attribution of association to particular domains uncertain. Removal of the effect of discrimination using model-based simulation reduces past-year days out of role by 39.4 (SE 11.3) days. Conclusions This observational study supports the suggestion that discrimination against people with mental illness contributes to their impaired functioning in a diverse range of social roles. The results provide preliminary evidence that reduction in discrimination against people with mental illness could improve social functioning and work productivity. Correlations among domain scores make it difficult to draw conclusions about domain-specific associations.

Positive factors related to graduate student mental health

“…Prior studies have established negative effects on mental health from perceive discrimination regardless of the reason for this discrimination. 21 Nonetheless, universities would benefit from knowing the source of this bias so they can address this behavior on their campuses.…”

“…17 Graduate students have reported discrimination as a result of their gender, 18 sexual orientation, 19 and race or ethnicity, 20 In one study, more than half of graduate students reported experiencing discrimination in their graduate program. 21 Regardless of the source of bias, perceived discrimination is related to high rates of distress. 22…”

Estimates of Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment Among Adolescents by Race and Ethnicity

“…38,39 Culturally responsive clinical practices that remove barriers to accessing treatment, implement individualized care based on pa- tient need, and promote flexible services are crucial to the incorporation and inclusion of groups who have been underserved in mental health settings and are less likely to seek help in the first place. 40,41 Public health, community partnerships, and antistigma initiatives could help to bridge this gap through improved patient engagement efforts that promote and normalize help-seeking and service use for those contemplating mental health care. The high levels of MDD and the low levels of mental health treatment access may in part be attributed to COVID-19 restrictions.…”

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and perceived mental health discrimination in adults in the general population

“…The high prevalence of discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems is alarming given that it has been associated with a range of negative outcomes including reduced social capital and loneliness [8, 9], as well as impaired functioning (days out of role) and unemployment [10, 11]. There is also some evidence that discrimination may lead to reduced health service use [12, 13], and because of this, poorer clinical and personal recovery [14].…”