Stigmatisation of Gambling Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder and Internet Use Disorder: Results of an Experimental Vignette Study.

Abstract

People with mental health problems are subject to stigmatisation and there is evidence that addictive disorders are particularly stigmatised. Aim of this study was to analyse potential differences in the amount or quality of stigmatisation between substance- and non-substance related addictive disorders. An experimental vignette study was conducted, in which participants of an online survey (N = 2052, 50.4% male, 49.0% female, 0.6% diverse, age: M = 40.7 [SD = 14.92] years) randomly received one of four descriptions of a female or male person with either gambling disorder, alcohol use disorder, internet use disorder or mild depressive symptoms (control condition). Several dimensions of stigmatisation were assessed, including desire for social distance, emotional reactions, assumed dangerousness, blame, categorial thinking and otherness. Results revealed that stigmatisation was highest for gambling and alcohol and significantly lower for the internet vignette. Stigmatisation scores were higher for male compared to female vignettes, independently of vignette content. All three descriptions of addictive disorders received higher stigmatisation than the control condition, though there were differences in the kind of stigmatisation received. Such disparities may be attributable to a range of factors, including the level of familiarity with and preconceived assumptions about the disorders, such as perceiving them as character flaws. Since only a minority of individuals affected by gambling disorder receive therapeutic care in Germany, experiences of stigmatisation might be one of the reasons. Anti-stigma efforts are necessary to reduce the barriers for those affected to seek help.