Overthinkers, attention-seekers and wallflowers: peer perceptions of clinical anxiety disorders in adolescence

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate peer perceptions and stereotypes towards adolescents with clinical anxiety disorders. Design/methodology/approach The study utilised an exploratory qualitative design, using short vignettes to investigate perceptions of three clinical anxiety disorders (panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder) and a control scenario, situational stress. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The results of the study suggest that previously established mental illness stereotypes (e.g. fear and dangerousness) may not be relevant to those with anxiety disorders, with perceptions of personal responsibility, weakness and social abnormality salient instead. These results suggest that stigma interventions should be tailored to disorder and age group. Practical implications Perceptions of weakness and blame have been associated with higher levels of discrimination, meaning people with anxiety disorders may be particularly vulnerable. Similarly, the negative social perceptions may be particularly damaging in adolescence, when successful peer relationships are vitally important. The results suggest specific stereotypes to target in stigma reduction campaigns for anxiety disorders, which may not being addressed by existing interventions. Originality/value There is a significant lack of research on both adolescent mental illness stigma in general, and anxiety stigma specifically. This study aimed to begin to address that gap, and found results that suggest, in line with previous work, that perceptions of blame may be more common for anxiety disorders, with negative social perceptions also reflecting the unique importance of peer relationships for adolescents. Further research should explore these stereotypes in more detail.

Validity and reliability of anxiety literacy (A-Lit) and its relationship with demographic variables in the Iranian general population

“…In the study of age groups, it was found that the A-Lit level was significantly higher in the age group of 18–30 years than in the others, and they gained a higher score in A-Lit. Because the prevalence of anxiety disorders is usually more from late adolescence, the present study is somewhat justified ( 42 ).…”

Qualitative methods advancing research into the expression and experience of stigma in childhood and adolescence.

“…Similarly, Hanlon and Swords (2019) demonstrated how qualitative methods are valuable for exploratory work to develop an understanding of a phenomenon, as well as providing the foundation upon which later quantitative work can be built. In their attempt to address the lack of research into stigmatizing responses to clinical anxiety disorders, particularly in adolescence, the researchers reported on qualitative work with a sample of adolescents that ultimately aimed to generate items for a quantitative measure of stereotypes.…”

Adolescent Endorsement of the “Weak-Not-Sick” Stereotype for Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Associations with Prejudice, Discrimination, and Help-Giving Intentions toward Peers

“…Instead, the handful of studies which examine anxiety disorder stigma have found that the "weak-not-sick" stereotype (WNS)-that is, a belief that the person's symptoms do not reflect a real medical condition and instead reflect personal weakness-may be particularly salient for anxiety disorders, as outlined in a recent review [38]. These findings have also been supported by limited studies in adolescent samples [39,40]. This is important, as the WNS stereotype and perceptions of blame in particular have been associated with increased discrimination, negative attitudes, and a decreased likelihood of seeking appropriate help for mental illness [41][42][43][44].…”