Description:
Many mentally ill people are the victims of stigma, which leads to additional suffering and humiliation. Negative stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes against them are often reinforced by their media representation as unpredictable, violent and dangerous. Hence the importance of the study of stigma as an explanatory construct of much that transpires in the management of the mentally ill in our societies.
This book describes the experience of stigmatization at the level of the individual, and seeks to measure stigma and discrimination from the following perspectives: Self imposed stigma due to shame, guilt and low self esteem; Socially imposed stigma due to social stereotyping and prejudice; and Structurally imposed stigma, caused by policies, practices, and laws that discriminate against the mentally ill.
This book briefly describes programmes that aim to reduce such stigma then looks at ways to evaluate their effectiveness. It is the first book to focus on evaluation and research methodologies in stigma and mental health. It also:
- presents new interventions to reduce stigma
- describes the various international programmes which help reduce stigma
- discusses the use of the internet as an international tool to promote awareness of stigma in mental health
Understanding the Stigma of Mental Illness is essential reading for clinicians and researchers who wish to apply or develop stigma reduction programmes. It is also a valuable addition to the libraries of political analysts, policy makers, clinicians, researchers, and all those interested in how to approach and measure this distressing social phenomenon.
Review Quotes: "This book does not try to argue against the reality of mental illness, but rather to understand and combat the stigma associated with it. The result is a balance of textbook and manual. It is provides an in-depth account of the contemporary debate, and effectiveness, efficiency and efficacy as well as measurement are key issues, and ideas and works in progress that fledgling programs could find of great use. If someone is looking for a presentation of some of the best available evidence, and thoughtful, careful descriptions of anti-stigma programs, it is essential reading. It will provide guidance and resources, it is thoroughly referenced and gives dozens of leads that people will want to follow ... .It is of equal value to metal health professionals, non-government organizations and partners in health literacy such as schools and advocacy groups. It makes a substantial contribution to the literature and is highly recommended." (Metapsychology, November 2008)