Factors Associated With Stigmatizationof Persons With Mental Illness

Stigmatization of individuals with mental illnesses is widespread and serves as a major barrier to treatment. In a survey of 116 undergraduates, the authors examined the impact of diagnosis, attitudes about treatment, and psychiatric terminology on stigma associated with mental illness. Stigmatization of schizophrenia was significantly higher than stigmatization of depression. More positive attitudes toward treatment were associated with significantly less stigma. However, psychiatric terminology had no impact on attitudes toward mental illness. Significantly less stigmatization of mental illness was found among females than among males. Reducing the stigmatization of mental illness continues to be an important goal for mental health professionals.