Running head: EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
Exploring Stigma in Mental Health: A Sociological Perspective
Trina Skinner
Stenberg College
1
EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
2
Abstract
This paper will serve as an introduction to the presence of stigma in mental health framed
in a sociological context. Three key points be addressed in this paper. First, a definition and
examples of how stigma affects the mental health field will be explored. Second, this paper will
offer a detailed discussion regarding the role of stigma in mental health and the factors that serve
to increase the incidence of stigmatization. Finally, examples of how and what mental health
advocates and society in general are doing in an effort to reduce stigmatization will be examined.
EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
3
Exploring Stigma in Mental Health: A Sociological Perspective
Stigmatization of individuals living with mental illness is an age old problem dating back as far
as the history of psychiatry is concerned. Although improvements may have been made over the
last century, this unfortunate aspect of psychiatric health and wellness is still alive and thriving in
modern day society. Cleary, Deacon, Jackson, Andrew, & Chan (2012), explain stigma in mental
health as having a significant impact on healthcare providers, specifically nurses, “willingness to
engage in mental and physical health promotion, leading to a systemic failure in person/familycentered care”(48). An examination of the meaning and nature of stigmatization, the factors that
contribute to this crippling phenomenon, and current strategies to reduce and ideally eliminate
stigma in mental illness are crucial points to consider while addressing the issue of stigma from a
multidimensional perspective.
The word stigma is of Greek origin, referring to a historical mark branded on criminals
and slaves, used in modern day society, according to White (1998) to, “describe a stain on a
person’s good name”(509). Goffman, as cited in Rogers & Pilgrim (2005) explains that
stigmatization is created in a social context. That stigma may be viewed as a negative reaction to
the mentally ill individual by society. One that ultimately destroys or ‘spoils’, the identity of that
individual by way of a “set of imposed norms that are brought to bear on encounter” (30). Stigma
functions on a multitude of levels that perpetuate a negative cycle that further damages an
already fractured picture of psychological health and well being in individuals living with mental
illness. One such spoke on the proverbial wheel of adverse effects of stigma towards a person
who is mentally ill relates to what White (1998) explains as the induction of shame “which
causes a sufferer to deny his own distress and avoid seeking effective help” (509).
EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
4
Stigmatization of mental health consumers is a complex issue that continues to plague not
only the individual living with a mental illness, but society at large. It is the paradox of this
phenomenon that makes it such a difficult problem to address and attempt to diminish. Perhaps
the most disturbing element to this dehumanizing force is the fact that many instances in which
the mentally ill are stigmatized and subsequently suffer in receipt of ineffective treatment is the
fact that mental health professionals are among those who discriminate and stigmatize the
mentally ill. According to Picard (2008), “some of the worst discrimination and stigma faced by
people suffering from mental illness comes from their health-care providers” (A5). Canadian
politician Michael Kirby (as cited in Picard, 2008) states that the stigma experienced by
individuals living with mental illness including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder is
“often worse than the mental illness itself” (A5). It is a disheartening fact to face that the very
people who are responsible for the care of the mentally ill, are not only among, but account for a
significant portion of those who induce stigmatization of mental health service users.
A second point that is interesting to consider in regards to the paradox of mental health
and stigma is the incidence of self-stigma. Corrigan & Watson (2006) suggest that individuals
living with psychiatric illness who reside in a society that “widely endorses stigmatizing ideas,
will internalize these ideas and believe they are less valued because of their psychiatric disorder”
(36). Further, the authors argue that people living with psychiatric disability are vulnerable to
experiencing “diminished self esteem/self-efficacy, righteous anger or relative indifference
depending on the parameters of the situation” (Corrigan & Watson, 2006, 36).
EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
5
Finally, on a more promising note, there are a consistent incline in the number of antistigma campaigns and strategies being initiated and implemented across North America.
Government funded programs designed to reduce the catastrophic effects of stigmatization of
those who are in some way or another psychologically disabled are becoming increasingly
popular. The literature reflects a vast number of resources to support the anti-stigma movement
in attempt to enhance the health and wellness of the mentally ill community. One study
conducted in England set out to explore “the active ingredients in anti-stigma programmes in
mental health”. The research team identified a common theme emerging whereby “facilitators
feedback on ‘what works’ was the importance and power of personal testimonies for breaking
down ignorance, fear and prejudice” (Pinfold, Thornicroft, Huxley, & Farmer, 2005). The above
stated conclusion is one that is virtually fundamental and rests at the heart of universal antistigma strategies and efforts.
The World Health Organization, or the (WHO) report New Understanding, New Hope
emphasized the necessity of “attending to attitudes that generate social disability and called for
countries to launch campaigns to educate the public” (WHO, 2001, as cited in Pinfold, et al.,
2005). In Canada, much of the anti-stigma efforts are initiated by the Mental Health Commission
of Canada, which is expanding rapidly and receiving a significant level of funding and access to
government resources.
EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
In conclusion, the stigmatization of individuals living with psychiatric disability is a
serious issue that must be addressed in all its complexity from a community oriented framework
in which the efforts to absolve stigma in mental health are not any individual, but rather the
responsibility of all members of society. Understanding the origin of stigma, the factors that
precipitate the stigmatization of mental health consumers, and education on, and engagement
with anti-stigma efforts and campaigns are three fundamental aspects to consider in regards to
understanding stigma in mental health from a sociological perspective.
6
EXPLORING STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH:
References
Cleary, M., Deacon, M., Jackson, D., Andrew, S., & Chan, S. (2012, April). Stigma in mental
illness: A continuing concern. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian
Nursing Profession. Retrieved from
Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2006, May 11). The paradox of self-stigma and mental
illness. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 9(1), 35-53. http://dx.doi.org/
10.1093/clipsy.9.1.35
Picard, A. (2008, August 19). Anti-stigma Campaign: Health workers urged to fight their own
bias about mental illness. The Globe and Mail, A5. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/1412209902?accountid=13800
Pinfold, V., Thornicroft, G., Huxley, P., & Farmer, P. (2005). Active ingredients in anti-stigma
programmes in mental health. International Review of Psychiatry, 17(2), 123-131.
http://dx.doi.org/:10.1080/09540260500073638
Rogers, A., & Pilgrim, D. (2011). A sociology of mental healtha nd illness (4th ed.). Berkshire,
England: Open University Press.
White, P. D. (1998). ’Changing minds’: banishing the stigma of mental illness. Journal of the
Royal Society of Medicine, 91. Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1296905/pdf/jrsocmed00020-0007.pdf
7