Continuum beliefs and stigmatizing attitudes towards persons with schizophrenia, depression and alcohol dependence
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Continuum beliefs and stigmatizing attitudes towards persons with schizophrenia, depression and alcohol dependence. / Schomerus, Georg; Matschinger, Herbert; Angermeyer, Matthias C.
In: PSYCHIAT RES, Vol. 209, No. 3, 30.10.2013, p. 665-9.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Continuum beliefs and stigmatizing attitudes towards persons with schizophrenia, depression and alcohol dependence
AU - Schomerus, Georg
AU - Matschinger, Herbert
AU - Angermeyer, Matthias C
N1 - Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
PY - 2013/10/30
Y1 - 2013/10/30
N2 - Separation is a central step in the process of stigmatizing persons with mental disorders. We examine whether belief in a continuum of symptoms from mental health to mental illness is associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. In a representative population survey in Germany (n=3642), using case-vignettes of persons suffering from schizophrenia, depression or alcohol dependence, we measured belief in a continuity of symptoms, emotional reactions and desire for social distance related to the person described in the vignette. While 42% of respondents agreed in symptom continuity for depression, this percentage was 26% for schizophrenia and 27% for alcohol dependence. Continuum beliefs were associated in general with more positive emotional reactions and less desire for social distance. This relationship was strongest for schizophrenia, followed by alcohol dependence. Continuum beliefs thus seem to be associated with less stigmatizing attitudes, particularly regarding schizophrenia and alcohol dependence. Educational information on the continuous nature of most psychopathological phenomena could usefully be integrated in anti-stigma messages.
AB - Separation is a central step in the process of stigmatizing persons with mental disorders. We examine whether belief in a continuum of symptoms from mental health to mental illness is associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. In a representative population survey in Germany (n=3642), using case-vignettes of persons suffering from schizophrenia, depression or alcohol dependence, we measured belief in a continuity of symptoms, emotional reactions and desire for social distance related to the person described in the vignette. While 42% of respondents agreed in symptom continuity for depression, this percentage was 26% for schizophrenia and 27% for alcohol dependence. Continuum beliefs were associated in general with more positive emotional reactions and less desire for social distance. This relationship was strongest for schizophrenia, followed by alcohol dependence. Continuum beliefs thus seem to be associated with less stigmatizing attitudes, particularly regarding schizophrenia and alcohol dependence. Educational information on the continuous nature of most psychopathological phenomena could usefully be integrated in anti-stigma messages.
KW - Adolescent
KW - Adult
KW - Age Factors
KW - Alcoholism
KW - Attitude to Health
KW - Culture
KW - Depression
KW - Female
KW - Health Surveys
KW - Humans
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Schizophrenia
KW - Schizophrenic Psychology
KW - Social Distance
KW - Social Stigma
KW - Young Adult
U2 - 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.02.006
DO - 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.02.006
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
C2 - 23465293
VL - 209
SP - 665
EP - 669
JO - PSYCHIAT RES
JF - PSYCHIAT RES
SN - 0165-1781
IS - 3
ER -
