Patrick W Corrigan1, Andrea B Bink1, Annie Schmidt1, Nev Jones2, Nicolas Rüsch3. 1. a Department of Psychology , Illinois Institute of Technology , Chicago , IL , USA . 2. b Department of Psychology , DePaul University , Chicago , IL , USA , and. 3. c Department of Psychiatry II , University of Ulm , Ulm , Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The "Why Try" phenomenon, a consequence of self-stigma, is a sense of futility that occurs when people believe they are unworthy or incapable of achieving personal goals because they apply the stereotypes of mental illness to themselves. AIMS: This study examines a four-stage model of self-stigma (aware, agree, apply, and self-stigma harm) and examines the "why try" effect as a result. We do that by testing a measure of "why try." METHOD: Two hypothetical path models were tested. In the first, applying stereotypes to oneself leads to diminished self-respect and a sense of "why try". In the second, the effect of applying stereotypes on "why try" is mediated by diminished self-respect. Participants completed the "why try" measure along with measures of self-stigma, public stigma, recovery, and empowerment. RESULTS: Results show application of stereotypes to oneself predicts diminished self-respect and "why try". "Why try" was significantly associated with agreement with public stigma, depression, and diminished sense of personal recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study reveal the complex impact of self-stigma demonstrating its emotional and behavioral consequences. Implications for impacting self-stigma are discussed.
BACKGROUND: The "Why Try" phenomenon, a consequence of self-stigma, is a sense of futility that occurs when people believe they are unworthy or incapable of achieving personal goals because they apply the stereotypes of mental illness to themselves. AIMS: This study examines a four-stage model of self-stigma (aware, agree, apply, and self-stigma harm) and examines the "why try" effect as a result. We do that by testing a measure of "why try." METHOD: Two hypothetical path models were tested. In the first, applying stereotypes to oneself leads to diminished self-respect and a sense of "why try". In the second, the effect of applying stereotypes on "why try" is mediated by diminished self-respect. Participants completed the "why try" measure along with measures of self-stigma, public stigma, recovery, and empowerment. RESULTS: Results show application of stereotypes to oneself predicts diminished self-respect and "why try". "Why try" was significantly associated with agreement with public stigma, depression, and diminished sense of personal recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study reveal the complex impact of self-stigma demonstrating its emotional and behavioral consequences. Implications for impacting self-stigma are discussed.
Authors: Patrick W Corrigan; Patrick J Michaels; Karina Powell; Andrea Bink; Lindsay Sheehan; Annie Schmidt; Bethany Apa; Maya Al-Khouja Journal: J Nerv Ment Dis Date: 2016-03 Impact factor: 2.254
Authors: Lauren T Catalano; Clayton H Brown; Alicia Lucksted; Samantha M Hack; Amy L Drapalski Journal: J Psychiatr Res Date: 2021-02-13 Impact factor: 4.791