The Effects of Self Stigmatization on the Functionality and Attitudes toward Mental Illness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55677/IJCSMR/V5I1-02/2025Keywords:
Attitudes, disability, functionality, mental illness, self-stigmatizationAbstract
Background: Self-stigma significantly affects the outcome of mental illnesses as it affects the individual on a physical, functional, psychological, and emotional level. Attitudes towards mental illness are common indicators of social stigma.
Aim: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between self-stigma, functionality, and attitudes toward mental illness, among mentally ill persons.
Material and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study conducted, and questionnaires used to collect data. Specifically, the ISMI, ASMI and WHODAS scales used. The sample consisted of 130 participants with some mental illness, aged 18-65 years located in three Public Psychiatric Hospitals of Attica.
Results: The 40% of participants were high school graduates, 69.2% were unemployed, while 62.3% lived with family or friends. living status (p 0.008), experience of discrimination (p 0.021) and resilience to stigma (p 0.002) were significantly associated with high rates of total disability. Accordingly, stereotype internalization (p 0.003) was significantly related to desire for social distance from temporary relationships. Female gender (p=0.044) was associated with optimism about the outcome of mental illnesses. Participants who lived alone (p=0.018) had less favorable coping with mental illness. Experiencing discrimination (p=0.031) was associated with understanding more negative perceptions of mental illness.
Conclusion: Self-attribution and reproduction of stereotypical perceptions, as well as low functioning create greater rates of social stigma among people with mental illnesses. The findings above highlight the power of social stereotypes over scientific documentation and emphasize the necessity of awareness, information, and psychoeducation programs.
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