Stigma Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is stigma?
A ‘mark’ indicating a -ve difference from other normal subjects
Attribute that is deeply discrediting
Devaluation of an individual who possesses a deviant attribute
Mechanisms by which stigma occurs?
Labeling theory
Downward comparison theory - individuals can increase their subjective wellbeing by comparing themselves with those less fortunate
Social value - reciprocal exchange - protecting limited social resources from exploitation by stigmatising another group
Power differentials - stigma inv. co-occurrence of components of labeling, stereotyping, cognitive separation into “us” and “them” groups, status loss, social rejection and discrimination, in the context of power differentials that allow one group to successfully devalue another
Components of stigma?
Stereotypes
Prejudice (attitudes and emotional component to -vely attributing someone)
Discrimination (behaviours assoc. with prior beliefs and emotional reactions to the stigmatised group), e.g: less likely to employ, socialise or date, leading to separation from society
Ignorance
Consequences of stigma?
Leads to feelings of anger, depression, fear, isolation, anxiety, guilt and desperation in the stigmatised group; their can be an avoidance of help-seeking
Methods that could be employed to change stigma?
Protest - works on behavioural change principles, however potential for rebound or suppression of prejudice:
• Promoting awareness that stigmatisation is unacceptable
• Discourage inappropriate portrayal of mental illness, esp. in media
Education - only deals with cognitive components of stigma and not sustained in longer-term:
• Campaigns to substitute lay-beliefs with accurate info to encourage informed attitudes and behaviour
Legislation - combines behavioural and cognitive: • Healthcare • Policy makers • Anti-discrimination legislation • Research
Contact with mentally ill people reduces stigmatised attitudes; this leads to modified behaviour, thinking and attitudes that are maintained over time
