Mental Illness and Stigma

Abstract

While all illnesses present concern and, often, fear to individuals and their caretakers, some conditions are singled out as stigmatized. Stigma refers to the prejudice and discrimination associated with the conditions that are enacted through social relationships and that devalue the person's humanity. Mental illness represents a classic example and, as a result, has been the focus of much theory and empirical research. Different types of stigma (public, self or internalized, provider‐based, courtesy) have been identified. The documented effects of stigma are profound, including restricted opportunities and even a shortened lifespan. Recent research has questioned claims about trends in stigma over time and across countries.

A Neoteric Paradigm to Improve Food Security: The Predictors of Women’s Influence on Egocentric Networks’ Food Waste Behaviors

“…The relationships or ties among networks are critical components of the experience one has in a social setting, delineating the connections between individuals [33]. Analyzing the structure and composition of ties is essential in assessing the global balance of economic and political power [34]. Network research is often viewed as an analytical method; however, many researchers consider social networks as a theoretical perspective with opportunities for a variety of analyses [35].…”

“…Network research is often viewed as an analytical method; however, many researchers consider social networks as a theoretical perspective with opportunities for a variety of analyses [35]. In other words, behavior is based on social interaction, rather than beliefs, individual motivation, or calculation [34]. Egocentric research, as opposed to socio-centric research, focuses on individuals and their personal networks.…”

“…Another study investigated why women have less success with networking and found that the existence of structural barriers in the form of homophily and work-family hamper women's networks [37]. Strong ties refer to those when an individual shares common opportunities and knowledge; while weak ties are not important to an individual but are essential in sharing new information and access to other social systems [34]. The investigation of these ties and the strength of relationships among women leading in agriculture's personal networks is what researchers sought to examine in this study.…”