Stigma

Question 1

What is stigma?

Answer 1

A ‘mark’ indicating a negative difference from other normal subjects.

• An ‘attribute that is deeply discrediting.’
• Devaluation of an individual that possesses a deviant attribute.
• Elements of labelling, stereotyping, separation and discrimination which occur together in a power situation that allows them

Question 2

Describe the labelling theory in the mechanism of stigma.

Answer 2

1. Primary deviance
2. Social recreation
3. Secondary deviance

Question 3

Outline the 3 components of stigma.

Answer 3

• Cognitive - Negative thinking - Stereotypes - ‘people with mental illness are dangerous and unpredictable’
• Attitudes - Negative emotions - Prejudice - ‘I’m afraid of such people’
• Behaviours - Negative actions - Discrimination - ‘Therefore I’m not going to employ this person’

Question 4

What is prejudice?

Answer 4

Emotional component to negatively attributing someone

Question 5

What is discrimination?

Answer 5

Behaviours associated with prior beliefs and emotional reactions to the stigmatised group.

Less likely to employ, socialise with or date

Question 6

What does discrimination lead to?

Answer 6

Separation from normal society

Question 7

What does stigma lead to feelings of?

Answer 7

Anger, depression, fear, isolation, anxiety, guilt, avoidance of help-seeking, desperation

Question 8

Outline the 4 ways in which we can change all of this.

Answer 8

• Protest
• Education
• Legislation
• Contact

Question 9

Lists sources of stigma.

Answer 9

• Music industry
• Reporting of guidelines
• Film and television
• Children’s tv

Question 10

Contact with mentally ill reduces stigmatised attitudes

Answer 10

TRUE