Abstract
BackgroundIn order to support evidence-based policies for reduction of stigma, a better understanding of its components: ignorance (knowledge), prejudice (attitude) and discrimination (behaviour) is necessary. This study explores public perceptions and quantifies stigma for three chronic mental disorders: autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in France.MethodsSurvey of 1000 adults selected from an established market research panel. The 21-item questionnaire explored knowledge, attitudes and behaviours toward each disorder.ResultsAlthough 95% respondents recognized the names of each disorder fewer than 70% could report specific characteristics and only 33% considered that publically available information was adequate; most respondents identified the media as their main resource. Labeling of conditions in a negative way was frequent (61%) when referring to mental disorders in general, but fell significantly (18%) when linked to an individual with a disorder. Individuals with schizophrenia are assumed to be dangerous; 65% respondents would engage in social distancing from such an individual, versus 29% for bipolar disorders and 7% for autism (p < 0.001). In contrast to other disorders, discrimination against schizophrenia was only partly attenuated in those with familiarity with mental disorders (through personal or family illness).ConclusionThis first population-based survey in France shows that attitudes towards bipolar disorders and autism are less prejudicial than towards schizophrenia. However, most public attitudes and behaviours towards different disorders appear to be based on assumptions rather than knowledge or evidence suggesting a generic information or anti-stigma programme is unlikely to be effective.
Highlights
In order to support evidence-based policies for reduction of stigma, a better understanding of its components: ignorance, prejudice and discrimination is necessary
Except for a short media campaign on Depression in 2007 (3 minutes of information broadcasted during prime time on a national network), France has not undertaken an anti-stigma campaign such as “Changing in Minds” in UK (1998–2002),”Beyond Blue” in Australia (2001–2005), “Like Minds Like Mine “ in New Zealand (1997–2004), the 'See Me' –national campaign in Scotland ( 2002–2004) or BASTA (Bavarian Anti-Stigma-Action)
In eight countries where such public awareness campaigns took place, the programs contributed to a modest improvement in public knowledge of and attitude toward mental disorders [28]
Summary
In order to support evidence-based policies for reduction of stigma, a better understanding of its components: ignorance (knowledge), prejudice (attitude) and discrimination (behaviour) is necessary. The reasons are not certain, but it is suggested that unfavourable stereotypes of individuals with schizophrenia (depicting their behaviour as unpredictable and violent) have become more rather than less prevalent This public image is associated with fearfulness in the community, leading to social avoidance and/or negative discrimination [11]. Greater awareness of the causal role of genetic or biological factors has decreased attributions about personal responsibility for developing a severe mental disorder, it appears that biogenic models are more liable to be construed as meaning the prognosis is poor and treatment less likely to improve outcomes [13] These data refer to adults and there is not data regarding views of genetic risk factors in childhood and whether this would worsen or improve attitudes towards such individuals [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call