M C Angermeyer1, H Matschinger. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. krausem@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study is to examine the impact of labelling on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia and major depression. METHOD: In Spring 2001, a representative survey was carried out in Germany involving adults of German nationality (n = 5025). RESULTS: Labelling as mental illness has an impact on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, with negative effects clearly outweighing positive effects. Endorsing the stereotype of dangerousness has a strong negative effect on the way people react emotionally to someone with schizophrenia and increases the preference for social distance. By contrast, perceiving someone with schizophrenia as being in need for help evokes mixed feelings and affects people's desire for social distance both positively and negatively. Labelling has practically no effect on public attitudes towards people with major depression. CONCLUSION: Our findings illustrate the need for differentiation, differentiation between the different components of stigma as well as differentiation between the various mental disorders.
OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study is to examine the impact of labelling on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia and major depression. METHOD: In Spring 2001, a representative survey was carried out in Germany involving adults of German nationality (n = 5025). RESULTS: Labelling as mental illness has an impact on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, with negative effects clearly outweighing positive effects. Endorsing the stereotype of dangerousness has a strong negative effect on the way people react emotionally to someone with schizophrenia and increases the preference for social distance. By contrast, perceiving someone with schizophrenia as being in need for help evokes mixed feelings and affects people's desire for social distance both positively and negatively. Labelling has practically no effect on public attitudes towards people with major depression. CONCLUSION: Our findings illustrate the need for differentiation, differentiation between the different components of stigma as well as differentiation between the various mental disorders.
Authors: Amary Mey; Jane L Fowler; Kathy Knox; David H K Shum; Jasmina Fejzic; Laetitia Hattingh; Denise McConnell; Amanda Wheeler Journal: Community Ment Health J Date: 2013-01-10
Authors: Olaf von dem Knesebeck; Eva Mnich; Anne Daubmann; Karl Wegscheider; Matthias C Angermeyer; Martin Lambert; Anne Karow; Martin Härter; Christopher Kofahl Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2012-10-10 Impact factor: 4.328