The Threat Of Public And Self Stigma Can Prevent

The Threat Of Public Stigma As Well As Self Stigma Can Prevent Indiv

The threat of public stigma, as well as self-stigma, can prevent individuals from receiving the mental health treatment they need. In this Assignment, you analyze the influence of stigma on experiences with and treatment of mental illness. To prepare: Watch the TED Talk by Sangu Delle and then review the readings for this week. Focus on Delle’s examples illustrating Corrigan’s model about the stages of stigma and the hierarchy of disclosure. Consider Delle's experience against that model.

Paper For Above instruction

Stigma surrounding mental health significantly impedes individuals’ willingness to seek and receive appropriate treatment, often rooted in societal perceptions and internalized beliefs. Donaldson Corrigan’s model provides a structured understanding of this phenomenon, emphasizing the progression of stigma through distinct stages and suggesting a hierarchy of disclosure that situates recovery within a social context. Analyzing Sangu Delle’s personal experience through this framework offers insights into how stigma manifests and influences help-seeking behaviors, especially within diverse cultural contexts.

Corrigan’s model articulates a process where stigma unfolds in purposeful stages: first, the development of stereotypes about mental illness; second, the creation of prejudiced attitudes; third, the enactment of discrimination. Each stage reinforces the next, fostering a cycle that entrenches negative perceptions about mental health. Corrigan emphasizes the importance of recovery, placing it within a hierarchy that ranges from medical and individual recovery to social recovery. The hierarchy underscores that true recovery involves not only symptom management but also social acceptance, participation, and personal growth. Corrigan recommends that interventions target these stages, particularly by promoting positive disclosure and reducing societal prejudices, thus facilitating a comprehensive recovery process.

Sangu Delle’s experiences align notably with Corrigan’s model, particularly in his internalization of stigma—an element of self-stigma—that influenced his attitudes toward seeking treatment. Delle’s initial reluctance to seek help reflects the stereotype stage, where societal messages equate mental health issues with weakness or failure. His narrative exemplifies internal prejudices, such as feelings of shame and fear of social judgment, which are integral to the prejudiced attitude stage. Delle’s eventual decision to accept his diagnosis and seek help indicates movement into the disclosure phase. This progression echoes Corrigan’s hierarchy, where recognizing the need for treatment and overcoming internalized stigma signifies an advanced stage towards social and personal recovery.

If Delle’s experience is mapped onto Corrigan’s model, he appears to be in the stages of self-awareness and active disclosure, which are pivotal for recovery. His courage to speak openly about his mental health journey suggests that he is working toward social recovery, challenging societal stereotypes in the process. His journey demonstrates that overcoming internalized stigma—difficult as it is—can open pathways to acceptance, both personally and within his community.

Analyzing Delle’s account reveals that self-stigma predominantly influences his narrative. His internal doubts and shame reflect internalized societal stereotypes, which initially hindered his engagement with mental health services. His core values of resilience and authenticity, however, were challenged by these internalizations, forcing him to confront and reframe his beliefs about vulnerability and strength. Despite these challenges, Delle exhibits remarkable resilience, openness, and a proactive attitude towards recovery. His acknowledgment of his mental health struggle and willingness to share his story serve as vital strengths that foster stigma reduction and promote a culture of acceptance.

The primary benefit of his diagnosis, from Delle’s perspective, appears to be increased self-awareness and the opportunity to address his mental health proactively. It allowed him to challenge internalized stereotypes and seek support, ultimately fostering personal growth. His experience suggests that greater acceptance and understanding—both personally and culturally—can significantly influence recovery trajectories. Cultures that emphasize collective strength and stigmatize mental health issues might complicate help-seeking, but Delle’s narrative demonstrates that changing cultural narratives and embracing open dialogue can facilitate recovery across diverse settings.

In conclusion, Corrigan’s model provides a valuable framework for understanding the stages of stigma and recovery. Delle’s personal journey aligns with this model, illustrating the importance of overcoming internalized stereotypes and promoting social disclosure for effective recovery. His story exemplifies resilience in the face of stigma and underscores the significance of cultural context, internal strength, and support systems in shaping mental health outcomes. Addressing both public and self-stigma remains crucial for fostering environments where mental health treatment is accessible, accepted, and normalized across diverse communities.

References

  • Corrigan, P. W. (2004). The Impact of Stigma on Severe Mental Illness. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 11(3), 269–278.
  • Corrigan, P., & Watson, A. C. (2002). The Self-Stigma of Mental Illness: Implications for Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 25(2), 91–97.
  • Hinshaw, S. P. (2007). The stigmatization of mental illness in children and parents: A review of the literature. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 16(4), 667-684.
  • Im et al. (2014). Cultural influences on mental health stigma: A review. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 60(6), 555-567.
  • Lien, L., Green, E., & Hauff, E. (2004). Stigma among health professionals towards patients with mental illness. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 58(1), 39-45.
  • Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 363–385.
  • Pescosolido, B. A., & Martin, J. K. (2015). The stigma complex. In A. K. Peters & K. M. Sussman (Eds.), Handbook of Race and Development (pp. 531-550). Springer.
  • Yanos, P. T., et al. (2008). Self-stigma and mental illness: A social psychological perspective. Psychiatric Services, 59(9), 1078–1083.
  • Yang, L. H., et al. (2014). Culture and the stigma of mental illness: A review of the literature. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 7(1), 119-124.
  • World Health Organization. (2013). Mental health action plan 2013-2020. WHO Publications.

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