Stigmatization: Devaluation and Discrimination of People Suffering from Mental Illnesses in Different Cultures

Abstract

Stigmatization of people with mental diseases is widespread in our society, despite awareness of its negative consequences. The goal of this study was to look into the stigma toward people with mental illnesses among university students in Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia. We distributed a survey online to students to explore prejudice in many facets of life. It was clear from the results, that there is a spread tendency to stigmatize and discriminate against people with mental illness in Kyrgyzstan compared to Slovakia. People with mental illness are considered dangerous and aggressive, increasing social distance. The role of religious, supernatural, and magical approaches to mental illness is predominating.