Developing Internet interventions to target the individual impact of stigma in health conditions

Abstract

a b s t r a c t 8 A number of health problems are associated with significant stigma, a social phenomenon in which individuals 22 become the object of negative stereotypes. In addition to experiencing negative reactions from others, 23 stigmatised individuals and groups can experience harmful consequences when they internalise these negative 24 prevailing attitudes. The objective of this paper was to consider the potential to develop Internet-based health-25 related interventions explicitly targeting the effects of stigma on the individual. A review of the literature was 26 conducted to synthesise current conceptualisations of stigma and self-stigma across a number of groups, and 27 to identify current intervention developments. Self-stigma reduction strategies developed for in-person services 28 include cognitive reframing, myth busting, contact with other members of the stigmatised group, and disclosure 29 promotion. The development and provision of interventions targeting self-stigma within an online environment 30 is in its infancy. Our review considers there to be particular potential of online interventions for this target, 31 associated with the capacity of the Internet to promote having contact with peers within one's stigmatised 32 group, and for user interaction and empowerment. We conclude that self-stigma is a domain in which 33 there is significant potential for innovation with health-related interventions, and provide a number of 34 recommendations for online intervention development. 35

How Do People Experiencing Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders or Other Psychotic Disorders Use the Internet to Get Information on Their Mental Health? Literature Review and Recommendations

“…Precisely, interacting with peers online can create greater social connectedness and feelings of group belonging that strengthen stigma resistance [54]. The Internet has the capacity to easily offer contacts with peers within one’s marginalized group as well as disclosure possibilities, both of those being key dimensions of stigma reduction strategies [55]. …”

Promoting Personal Recovery in People with Persisting Psychotic Disorders: Development and Pilot Study of a Novel Digital Intervention

“…Initial studies of Internet-based applications with people with persisting psychosis have indicated self-guided use of digital tools to be feasible with this population (19–21). Moreover, the Internet is potentially empowering of people with mental illness in facilitating peer-to-peer connections (22) and is a means of presenting lived experience material in video format that may be useful in portraying positive hopeful views of peers with mental health problems (23). Hence, digital technology offers a number of possibilities for promoting learning from lived experience.…”

Language matters: a UK perspective

“…Stigma has been defined by Thomas et al . as ‘an attribute or label (such as a particular diagnosis) that links individuals to negative social stereotypes.’ (p.352). Research has shown how negative language, such as apportioning blame, stereotyping (such as portrayals in the media) and judgemental remarks, have all been found to increase stigma .…”

“…A small body of literature has considered the potential for addressing stigma, mainly through attempts to increase the information available online regarding people's experiences of diabetes . These attempts included user‐generated content and sharing experiences through blogs or tweet chats; however, recently, messages about losing weight or healthy eating, obesity and diabetes have shifted the focus to the individual, identifying them as the person responsible for their health and ignoring the socio‐economic context within which they live .…”