Perceptions of Discrimination Among Persons With Serious Mental Illness

Abstract

Discrimination based on group characteristics other than mental illness does not diminish the impact of stigma associated with mental illness. Antistigma programs need to target not only discrimination related to mental illness but also that associated with other group characteristics, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and physical disability.

Stigmatizing attitudes in relatives of people with schizophrenia: a study using the Attribution Questionnaire AQ-27

“…22,65 However, such interventions should be planned and conducted with care, as an increased consciousness about the disease may also increase the family's self-stigma. 66 Regarding social stigma, although most studies suggest that the greater the knowledge about mental illness, the lower the tendency to agree with stigma and discrimination, 64,65,67 some authors have observed associations between such knowledge and an unaltered or even increased social distance in relation to people with schizophrenia.…”

“…22,65 However, such interventions should be planned and conducted with care, as an increased consciousness about the disease may also increase the family's self-stigma. 66 Regarding social stigma, although most studies suggest that the greater the knowledge about mental illness, the lower the tendency to agree with stigma and discrimination, 64,65,67 some authors have observed associations between such knowledge and an unaltered or even increased social distance in relation to people with schizophrenia. 68 Finally, if we analyze the correlations observed between the several dimensions of the AQ-27, we can see that our sample yielded several significant associations, including the one between a lower degree of causal attribution to the patient on the one hand (e.g., responsibility and controllability of the illness and symptoms) and lower scores of dangerousness, fear, and avoidance and higher help and pity scores on the other.…”

Fostering Recovery from Life-transforming Mental Health Disorders: A Synthesis and Model

“…These categories are necessarily broad and pervasive, ranging from the strains and limitations arising as a result of stigma and discrimination (Corrigan et al, 2003), to having a strong support system and close relationship with a romantic partner as resources. Mental health care can be incorporated as either a resource or a strain, depending on how it is delivered.…”

Discrimination and exiting homelessness among homeless adolescents.

“…Discrimination; homeless adolescents; racial/ethnic minority adolescents; gay, lesbian or bisexual adolescents Previous research suggests that marginalized adolescents who are homeless, a racial/ethnic minority, or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) will experience discrimination (Corrigan et al, 2003;Crosby, Bromley, & Saxe, 1980;Crow, Folk, & Hartman, 1998;Hebl, Foster, Mannix, & Dovidio, 2002;Herek, 1991;Krieger, 1999;Major, Quinton, McCoy, & Schmader, 2000;Mays, Ponce, Washington, & Cochran, 2003;Snipp, 2003;Williams, Neighbors, & Jackson, 2003). Discrimination is intolerant behavior to those who are perceived to be different, including harassment that stems from bias and emotional responses such as fear and hate (Hewstone, Rubin, & Willis, 2002).…”