Experience of Stigma by Families with Mentally Ill Members

BACKGROUND: More than 4 million American families live with severely mentally ill members. The cost is substantial. Consequences of stigma produce a component of that cost. OBJECTIVE: The study’s purposes were to examine the experience of stigma from a family member’s perspective, to analyze stigma types and consequences, and to search for management strategies. STUDY DESIGN: This qualitative study was based on a framework of symbolic interaction and dramaturgical interviewing. Twenty-six respondents, all with mentally ill relatives, participated in a 1 1 /2- to 2-hour semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Stigma was experienced as part of a sequential process and occurred in private and public life domains including internalized, family centered, direct personalized, and indirect institutionalized types. Although a decrease in direct, public, personalized stigma was reported, institution stigma was viewed as highly problematic. Successful management and self-disclosure techniques were noted. CONCLUSION: Although types of stigma remain problematic, successful management strategies are possible.