An Analysis of Predictors of Mental Health Stigma in Ontario Municipal Police Service Members

Abstract

Mental health stigma refers to negative attitudes held by society and individuals about mental illness. The adverse effects of both public and self-stigma affect an individual's quality of life and can be a barrier to care. Police service members are at particular risk of mental illness and especially likely to have negative attitudes of mental illness. Our research team has emailed a questionnaire assessing mental health in Ontario Municipal Police. In this study we will analyze the data in order to answer several research questions regarding stigma and mental health in police populations. What are the predictors of mental health stigma? We hypothesize age, gender, years on the force, and size of the department are predictors. Do individuals with a known clinical diagnosis, with a mental illness they are unaware of, or with no diagnosis at all, show the highest levels of stigma? We hypothesize individuals aware of their diagnosis will show significantly higher levels of stigma, followed by individuals with a mental illness they are unaware of. We will also assess reasons behind unwillingness to seek help; we predict stigma will be a significant reason. Finally, we will answer whether police show more stigma around a physical injury or a mental illness. We believe they will show more stigma toward a mental illness. By identifying predictors of stigma in police our research can help identify groups of people for whom education based interventions will be most effective, and increase the chances of these individuals seeking help.