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Association between public views of mental illness and self-stigma among individuals with mental illness in 14 European countries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 November 2011

S. Evans-Lacko ,
E. Brohan ,
R. Mojtabai  and
G. Thornicroft
S. Evans-Lacko*
Affiliation:
Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
E. Brohan
Affiliation:
Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
R. Mojtabai
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
G. Thornicroft
Affiliation:
Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr S. Evans-Lacko, Health Service and Population Research Department P029, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. (Email: Sara.Evans-Lacko@iop.kcl.ac.uk)
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Abstract

Background

Little is known about how the views of the public are related to self-stigma among people with mental health problems. Despite increasing activity aimed at reducing mental illness stigma, there is little evidence to guide and inform specific anti-stigma campaign development and messages to be used in mass campaigns. A better understanding of the association between public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours and the internalization of stigma among people with mental health problems is needed.

Method

This study links two large, international datasets to explore the association between public stigma in 14 European countries (Eurobarometer survey) and individual reports of self-stigma, perceived discrimination and empowerment among persons with mental illness (n=1835) residing in those countries [the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN) study].

Results

Individuals with mental illness living in countries with less stigmatizing attitudes, higher rates of help-seeking and treatment utilization and better perceived access to information had lower rates of self-stigma and perceived discrimination and those living in countries where the public felt more comfortable talking to people with mental illness had less self-stigma and felt more empowered.

Conclusions

Targeting the general public through mass anti-stigma interventions may lead to a virtuous cycle by disrupting the negative feedback engendered by public stigma, thereby reducing self-stigma among people with mental health problems. A combined approach involving knowledge, attitudes and behaviour is needed; mass interventions that facilitate disclosure and positive social contact may be the most effective. Improving availability of information about mental health issues and facilitating access to care and help-seeking also show promise with regard to stigma.

Keywords

Attitudesbehaviourmental disorderssocial changestigmatization
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 42 , Issue 8 , August 2012 , pp. 1741 - 1752
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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