Evaluation of Stigma of Mental Illnesses: A Review

Abstract

Stigma is the society's development of prejudiced attitudes and behaviors against the individual due to the diagnosis and treatment associated with mental illnesses, and the individual's exposure to discrimination within the social group. Stigma can be observed as social and internalized. Social stigma can limit people's opportunities, options and competitive conditions. Internalized stigma is the internalization of beliefs related to the prejudiced and discriminatory approach of the environment by the individual. Social and internalized stigmatization processes are related to self-esteem. It has been stated that patient relatives are also exposed to stigmatization along with individuals who have mental illness, and stigmatization reduces the possibility of recovery in mental illnesses. Considering the relevant research findings, it is understood that there is a need to struggle individually and socially against stigma in order to prevent the increase in the negative consequences of mental illness and the development of comorbidities, to strengthen functional behaviors during the treatment process and to increase social support. Informing patients, patient's family, mental health workers and the society, encouraging social change and new research on the subject can be considered as methods of struggle with stigma. In this review, the stigmatization process, social and internalized stigma, the relationship between psychopathology and self-esteem with internalized stigma, stigma and the patient's family, status of stigma over time, status of stigma according to societies, and the relationship of stigma with mental health services were evaluated. In this review, the stigmatization process, social and internalized stigma, the relationship between psychopathology and self-esteem with internalized stigma, stigma and the patient's family, status of stigma over time, status of stigma according to societies, and the relationship of stigma with mental health services were evaluated.