Perceptions Of Stigma Research Articles

Psychological Distress and Behavioral Vigilance in Response to Minority Stress and Threat among Members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Stigmatization, hostility, and violence towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community have increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to conduct research to promote understanding of the effects of such stigmatization on the AAPI community. Accordingly, the present study used a combined minority stress and integrated threat framework to examine whether factors related to AAPI identity would moderate the relationship between stigmatization/threat associated with AAPI identity and increased psychological distress and behavioral vigilance. AAPI individuals were recruited online from both Turk Prime and Reddit and completed measures of perceived stigmatization; integrated threat; depression, anxiety, and stress; and behavioral vigilance. Perceptions of stigmatization and threat predicted relevant outcomes both as individual predictors and in multivariate analyses. However, factors relating to the strength of AAPI identification did not moderate the effects of stigmatization and threat on psychological distress and behavioral vigilance, which is a result that failed to support this aspect of the broader conceptual model on which this project was based. Instead, these proposed moderators were themselves predicted by stigmatization and threat variables. The implications of these findings for effective interventions to alleviate the negative consequences of anti-Asian stigmatization are discussed.

The Reintegration of Men into Society after a Sexual Offense: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience and meaning of being a ‘sex offender’ for the individual who is reintegrating into society, considering issues associated with self-perception, perception of others, stigma and humanization. Fourteen male adults were invited to participate in this hermeneutic phenomenological study. Data analysis was completed using an iterative process as described by van Manen. Five major themes were identified: exposed secret leads to humiliation; being considered a sex offender is living in fear of the unknown; stigma and shame consume the identity of the individual charged with a sexual offense; reframing and “leveling” of the crime are coping strategies; and the path toward healing and forgiveness is complex. Contextualizing individuals’ experiences and examining barriers and motivators post-charge are essential to minimize stigma and risk factors linked to recidivism, as well as to facilitate recovery and healing.

Affiliate Stigma Among Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Coping Strategies and Perceived Social Support

Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience stigma due to ASD-related symptoms. However, factors such as coping strategies and perceived social support might impact the affiliate stigma they experience. To date, no research has explored the association between ASD symptom severity and affiliate stigma, considering the role of coping strategies and perceived social support in different cultural contexts. This study aimed to test a hypothesized model in which coping strategies and perceived social support mediate the association between children’s ASD symptom severity and caregivers’ affiliate stigma. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 caregivers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using structured interviews with eligible caregivers at a developmental and behavioral disorder clinic, five daycare centers, and three schools. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling. The study found that caregivers of children with ASD reported experiencing affiliate stigma. Additionally, as the severity of children’s ASD symptoms increased, caregivers’ perceptions of affiliate stigma also increased. However, both maladaptive coping strategies and perceived social support mediated this relationship. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of caregivers of children with ASD, particularly by decreasing the use of maladaptive coping strategies and providing social support to minimize their experience of affiliate stigma.

Caregivers' perspectives of community acceptance before and after surgical treatment for their child's disability.

In Tanzania, about 600 000 youth between 5 and 24 years old have a disability. Individuals with disabilities face numerous obstacles due to social stigma. The aim of this formative evaluation is to assess how caregivers of children with correctable disabilities (e.g., cleft lip/palate, club foot, and burn scar contractures) in Tanzania perceive their community's acceptance of their child before and after surgical treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 caregivers of children with disabilities treated at Kafika House in Arusha, Tanzania. The constant comparative method identified themes regarding the caregivers' feelings on their child's functional abilities and experiences of stigma in their community. Caregiver perceptions of stigma before and after surgical treatment were categorized and quantified as 'positive', 'neutral' and 'negative'. Thematic analysis of the 80 interviews resulted in five major themes: (1) stigma and acceptance (pre-treatment) and (2) post-treatment; (3) functional abilities (pre-treatment) and (4) post-treatment; and (5) emotional impact (pre- and post-treatment). These themes indicate caregivers and their children experience a range of emotional impacts before and after treatment, more severe stigma before treatment, and overall better social, emotional and functional status after treatment. Frequency analysis of caregiver experiences indicated that stigma experienced by children and their families decreased from 75% before surgical treatment to 2.5% after surgery. Surgical intervention and rehabilitation of physical disabilities mitigated experiences of social stigma for both children and their caregivers. Findings support the need for expanded treatment of correctable disabilities, larger investments in community-based rehabilitation programmes and further interventions to support stigmatized parents and their children.

Perceptions of stigma among people with lived experience of methamphetamine use within the hospital setting: qualitative point-in-time interviews and thematic analyses of experiences.

As part of a larger mixed-methods study into harm reduction in the hospital setting and people with lived experience of methamphetamine use, stigma was found to be a prominent issue. The aim of this secondary analysis was to investigate the issue of stigma. Participants completed a one-time qualitative interview component to assess their experiences in the hospital setting. The study setting included secondary and tertiary care in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants who had received care from these settings were also recruited from an overdose prevention site, a primary healthcare center, a national mental health organization, an affordable housing agency, and six homeless-serving agencies between October 2020 and April 2021. A total of 104 individuals completed the qualitative component of a mixed-methods interview. Sixty-seven participants identified as male, thirty-six identified as female, and one identified as non-binary. Inclusion criteria included past or current use of methamphetamine, having received services from a hospital, and being able to communicate in English. Open-ended questions regarding experiences in the hospital setting were asked in relation to the lived experience of methamphetamine. A secondary analysis was conducted post-hoc using a thematic ethnographic approach due to prominent perceptions of stigma. Three themes were identified. The first theme identified that substance use was perceived as a moral and personal choice; the second theme pertained to social stigmas such as income, housing and substance use, and consequences such as being shunned or feeling less worthy than the general patient population; and the third theme highlighted health consequences such as inadequate treatment or pain management. This study revealed that stigma can have consequences that extend beyond the therapeutic relationship and into the healthcare of the individual. Additional training and education for healthcare providers represents a key intervention to ensure care is non-stigmatizing and patient-centered, as well as changing hospital culture.

Factors associated with gaps in naloxone knowledge: evidence from a 2022 great plains survey

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of fast-acting opioids in the USA suggests the increased need for non-professional first responder administration of naloxone. Effective administration of naloxone during an overdose requires that bystanders are familiar with, have access to, and know how to use naloxone.MethodsDrawing on a statewide, address-based sample of Nebraskan adults, we used logistic regression to predict the likelihood of respondents’ familiarity with, access to, and competency to administer naloxone. Our independent variables included measures indicating proximity to drug use, perceived community stigma toward people who use drugs, and demographic data.ResultsThere were significant gaps in naloxone knowledge in Nebraska. Although 74.8% of respondents were familiar with naloxone, only 18.2% knew how to access it and 18.0% knew how to use it. Being close to an overdose experience, lifetime illicit opioid use, being close to a person who uses opioids, and having access to illicit opioids were not significantly associated with naloxone familiarity, access, or competency among respondents in Nebraska’s two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln. Outside of these cities, being close to a past overdose experience and access to illicit opioids was associated with higher odds of naloxone access and competency, but lifetime opioid use and being close to a person who uses opioids were not. Finally, among those familiar with naloxone, a higher perception of community stigma toward people who use opioids generally was associated with lower odds of naloxone access and competency. Higher perception of community stigma toward people who use heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine, however, was associated with higher odds of naloxone access.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the continued need for education on naloxone with a specific focus on access and competency to further reduce opioid-related overdose deaths. Specific focus should be placed on promoting naloxone knowledge among people with a higher likelihood of needing to administer naloxone to reduce otherwise avoidable deaths. Further work is needed to understand differences in the relationship between substance-specific perceived stigma and its association with naloxone access.

The Effects of Stigma: Older Persons and Medicinal Cannabis.

Cannabis has long been stigmatized as an illicit drug. Since legalization in Canada for both medical and recreational purposes, older adults' cannabis consumption has increased more than any other age group. Yet, it is unclear how the normalization of cannabis has impacted perceptions of stigma for older adults consuming cannabis medicinally. Qualitative description was used to elucidate the experiences of older Canadians aged 60+ related to stigma and their consumption of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews. Data analysis examined how participants managed stigma related to cannabis use. Perceived stigma was evident in many participants' descriptions of their perceptions of cannabis in the past and present, and influenced how they accessed and consumed cannabis and their comfort in discussing its use with their healthcare providers. Participants employed several distinct strategies for managing stigma-concealing, re-framing, re-focusing, and proselytizing. Findings suggest that while medical cannabis consumption is becoming increasingly normalized among older adults, stigma related to cannabis persists and continues to shape older adults' experiences. A culture shift needs to occur among healthcare providers so that they are educated about cannabis and willing to discuss the possibilities of medicinal cannabis consumption with older adults. Otherwise, older adults may seek advice from recreational or other non-medical sources. Healthcare providers require education about the use of medical cannabis, so they can better advise older adults regarding its consumption for medicinal purposes.

Characterization of Doctor of Pharmacy and Pre-Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge, Stigma, and Risk Perceptions Towards Persons Living with HIV/AIDS at a Hispanic Serving Institution

To assess the knowledge, stigma, and risk perceptions toward people living with HIV/AIDS in Doctor of Pharmacy and prepharmacy students at a Hispanic-serving institution situated on the United States-Mexico border. A cross-sectional survey was administered to prepharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy students to assess HIV background and knowledge, stigma, and risk perceptions using a self-completed electronic questionnaire. The χ2 and correlational analyses were conducted. Performance on the knowledge assessment was significantly correlated with increases in professional year. Although frequencies of negative stigma were overall low, there were 3 key populations that demonstrated higher rates of negative stigma: people who inject drugs, those who partake in high-risk sexual behavior, and sex workers. Although professional year was associated with knowledge and one's willingness to share food with someone living with HIV/AIDS, professional year was not associated with 8 other risk perception variables. The identification of stigma among already stigmatized populations supports the need for targeted educational interventions, especially at Hispanic-serving institutions with colleges and schools of pharmacy. Additional research should be conducted to explore the generalizability of these results and measure the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on stigma and risk perceptions across institutions with predominantly Hispanic/Latinx students.

Occupational stigma perception and emotional labor: the role of Ambivalent occupational identification and leaders’ emotional intelligence

Occupational stigma perception and emotional labor: the role of Ambivalent occupational identification and leaders’ emotional intelligence

“My Addiction Doesn’t Define Me”—Experiences of Stigma among Mothers with Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use in women has increased by 300% since 1999, and opioid use disorder among pregnant women has quadrupled. The stigma of substance use disorder is a significant barrier to treatment, especially among women. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of stigma among mothers and the underlying themes. (1) Background: To understand the stigmatization of women with substance use disorders, we interviewed mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder. (2) Methods: Qualitative methods and descriptive analysis was used to extrapolate themes related to the experienced stigma. (3) Results: A total of 20 mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder were interviewed and three main themes emerged from the data: internal stigma, external stigma, and healing from stigma. (4) Conclusion: The examination of stigma is important in reducing its effect on all individuals with substance use disorders, and it is important to understand gender inequities.

Therapeutic Strategies in Children with Epilepsy: A Quality-of-Life-Related Perspective.

Back ground: Children with epilepsy are affected by several factors, including clinical and social variables. Among these variables, cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, perceptions of stigma, and fatigue can lead to reductions in quality of life (QOL). Epileptic activities, including seizure severity, frequent seizures, and status epilepticus (SE), have been identified as important predictors of QOL. In addition, the frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) on electroencephalogram (EEG) may also be an important predictor of QOL, because IEDs can lead to cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances. Moreover, frequent seizures and/or IEDs may play a role in emotional mediators, such as stigma and fatigue, in childhood epilepsy. Seizure severity and/or IEDs are, therefore, important QOL-related factors in childhood epilepsy. Seizure severity as a QOL-related factor: Frontal lobe dysfunctions, such as cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, can result in reduced QOL for both the child and their family. Frontal and prefrontal lobe growth disturbances can be present during active-phase epilepsy in some children with neuropsychological impairments. Recovery from prefrontal lobe growth disturbances may depend on the active seizure period. Children with a shorter active seizure period can recover from disturbances in prefrontal lobe growth more rapidly. In contrast, recovery may be delayed in children with a longer active seizure period. Moreover, frequent seizures can lead to seizure-associated headaches, perceptions of self-stigma and parental stigma, and fatigue. Accordingly, severe seizures can lead to neuropsychological impairments in association with prefrontal lobe growth disturbances in children with epilepsy. EEG abnormalities as QOL-related factors: IEDs on EEG, representing persistent pathological neuronal discharges, may be associated with several pathological aspects. Frontal IEDs can be a risk factor for recurrent seizures, cognitive decline, and behavioral disturbances, and they may also play a role as emotional mediators similar to stigma. In addition, behavioral disturbances may result in the presence of secondary bilateral synchrony (SBS) on EEG. Behavioral disturbances can be improved in association with a reduction in IEDs in children with frontal IEDs and SBS. Therefore, EEG abnormalities, such as frontal IEDs and SBS, can also lead to neuropsychological impairments in children with epilepsy. Therapeutic strategies in children with epilepsy: Seizure severity and IEDs on EEG may be associated with neuropsychological impairments, leading to QOL reduction. Therapeutic management may be desirable to reduce seizures and EEG abnormalities, such as frontal IEDs and SBS, as early as possible to improve QOL in children with epilepsy. During antiseizure medication (ASM) selection and adjustment, physicians should strategize the therapeutic approach to controlling seizures and suppressing EEG abnormalities in children with epilepsy. Among various ASMs, novel ASMs, such as levetiracetam and perampanel, may suppress both clinical seizures and IEDs on EEG; thus, these novel ASMs may represent an important addition to the treatments available for epileptic children presenting with frontal IEDs and SBS.

Persistence of stigma and the cessation of substance use: comparing stigma domains between those who currently use and those who no longer use substances.

Cessation of substance use, a facet of recovery, as well as mitigating stigma experienced by individuals with substance use disorder (SUD), are important to supporting health and well-being of those who use substances. But there is limited and mixed evidence on whether cessation of substance use has a positive impact on individuals' stigma experiences. This study examined whether there were differences in stigma perceptions between those who self-report using substances and those who self-report not currently using substances associated with their SUD. A survey was conducted among individuals in 10 counties of Michigan with self-identified history with SUD. The survey aimed to understand five dimensions of stigma perceptions: enacted stigma, anticipated stigma, internalized stigma, social withdrawal, and treatment stigma. Survey items for each measure were adapted from prior literature. The mean was calculated for each stigma measure for analyses. Data analyses tested whether there were significant differences in each of the five stigma domains between the two groups using either regression or t-test, depending on the necessity to include covariates. Findings suggested that among the five stigma domains, only internalized stigma showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (b = 0.19, se = 0.08, p < 0.05) after adjusting for covariates (as needed). Those who were no longer using substances had lower internalized stigma compared to those who were currently using substances associated with their SUD. Analyses suggested that the other four stigma domains, enacted stigma, anticipated stigma, social withdrawal, and treatment stigma, did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups. While self-stigmatization (i.e., internalized stigma) was lower among those who report no longer using, our patterns suggest a persistence of stigma regardless of cessation of substances associated with SUD, particularly among stigma domains that are based on perceptions of how others may still perceive individuals who have used substances. Though more research is needed, results suggest that public health programmatic, policy, and campaign efforts that aim to eliminate stigma should account for and tailor to both people who report using and those who report no longer using substances to capture the breadth of needs in communities.

Association between demographics, socioeconomics, and disease-related factors and the perception of stigma in people with MS.

Stigma is prevalent among individuals with chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and those with comorbid mental health disorders, but its associated factors are poorly understood. To investigate the prevalence and correlates of stigma in people living with MS. We analyzed data from the MS Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) network, which collected patient information and outcomes during routine clinic visits. We used a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the cross-sectional association between stigma and demographic, socioeconomics, and MS-related factors. We included 11,634 participants. The mean Neuro-QoL stigma T-score was 47.2 ± 8.6, and 17.7% of participants were classified as having moderate to severe stigma using established cutoffs. Multinomial logistic regression models suggest that higher disability levels, progressive form of the disease, shorter duration of the disease, and unemployment were associated with higher stigma while being male, married, undergoing treatment with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and being from European MS centers were associated with lower stigma perception. Disability levels, measured by Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), had the strongest independent association with stigma. Stigma remains a relevant issue for people living with MS. Factors, such as physical and cognitive disability, DMT, and employment status may influence the severity of perceived stigma.

Initial evidence of reliability and validity of an implicit association test assessing attitudes toward individuals who use substances

ABSTRACT Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are stigmatized conditions, with individual biases driving poor health outcomes. There are surprisingly few validated measures of bias or stigma toward individuals who use substances. Bias can be classified as explicit (self-report) or implicit (behaviorally based). Objectives: The goal of the present study was to establish preliminary indices of reliability and validity of an implicit association test (IAT) designed to measure implicit bias toward individuals who use substances. Methods: A large United States-based, crowd-sourced sample (n = 394, 51.5% male, 45.4% female, 2.5% nonbinary) completed the IAT and a small battery of survey instruments that assessed social distance to mental illness (including heroin use), attitude toward and perceived controllability of injection drug use, perception of public stigma, and social desirability. Results: Nearly all (92%; n = 363) scores on the IAT indicated greater negative than positive attitudes toward those who use substances. Spearman-Brown corrected split-half reliability on the IAT scores was excellent, r = .953. Controlling for social desirability, IAT scores positively correlated with all included measures pertaining to substance use as well as social distance for heroin and schizophrenia (but not diabetes). A principal component analysis resulted in two interpretable components representing disapproval (perceived controllability and negative attitudes) and perceived stigma (social stigma and social distance). Scores on the IAT positively correlated to scores on both components, again, controlling for social desirability. Conclusion: These results provide compelling preliminary evidence of validity of an IAT designed to measure bias toward individuals who use substances.

The limits of nudging: Results of a randomized trial of text messages to promote home-based caregiving and reduce perceptions of stigma for COVID-19 patients in Kenyan informal settlements.

During the early stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments searched for effective means to rapidly disseminate information about how to prevent the disease and care for sick household members. In June 2020, the government of Kenya considered sending text messages, a behavioral nudging approach, to inform and persuade the public to practice home-based care for those who were infected. We conducted a randomized evaluation of simple informational messages compared to messages targeting personal and social benefits for those receiving the messages. We hypothesized that those that received messages tailored around social or personal benefit would be more likely to undertake the promoted behaviors of isolating if infected with COVID-19 and intending to care for an infected family member. While fear and perceptions of stigma were widespread, more than two-thirds of respondents in the control condition expressed an intention to care for an infected family member at home. Despite greater recall of the personal benefit message, which used reciprocity as its key behavioral lever, intentions to provide care at home and perceptions of stigma did not differ across study groups. Rather, capabilities such as wealth and having sufficient room at home were the key determinants. While text messages as behavioral nudges may be useful for some behaviors, policymakers should consider a broader range of tools for behaviors that are influenced by people's capabilities, since even low-cost interventions may crowd out the time and energy needed for other responses during an emergency.

Mental Illness Beliefs, Stigma, and Help-seeking Behavior among Medical and Mental Health Professionals: A Cross-sectional Study in Mumbai

Abstract Background: Help-seeking behaviors are poor in medical professionals and understudied in mental health professions. Beliefs and perceived stigma influence such behavior. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess, compare, and find associations between these factors among medical and mental health professionals. Methods: This cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was conducted among 150 medical and mental health professionals practicing in Mumbai using Treatment Seeking Behaviour Scale (TSB), Beliefs toward Mental Illness Scale (BTMI), Self-stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH), and perception of stigmatization by others for Seeking Help (PSOSH) Scales. Google Forms were sent to the consenting participants through social media platforms and WhatsApp. We had a 40% response rate from the participants. Results: Mean BTMI was 76.76 ± 27.40, which was poor, SSOSH (12.96 ± 4.81) was found to be low, but PSOSH (12.46 ± 5.22) was found to be high. Professional TSB (4.24 ± 0.76) was significantly higher than traditional TSB (2.8 ± 0.81). Mental health professionals had significantly lower scores of BTMI (P = 0.001), SSOSH (P = 0.050), PSOSH (P = 0.044), and traditional TSB (P = 0.002) as compared to medical professionals. Scores of BTMI, SSOSH, and PSOSH were positively correlated with traditional TSB and negatively correlated with professional TSB (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: BTMIs are poor and the perception of stigmatization by others for seeking help is high among doctors. Mental health professionals fared significantly better on all their beliefs.

Assessing perceptions of stigmatization by others for seeking help in China: psychometric characteristics and measurement invariance across gender and therapy experience.

The stigma of social networks may be more noticeable in collectivist societies like China, but research in this area has largely been overlooked due to a lack of reliable measurement. To address this gap, this study tested the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Perceptions of Stigmatization by Others for Seeking Help (PSOSH) scale in the Chinese general population, and tested its invariance across gender and prior therapy experience. In a national online survey, 640 adults completed the PSOSH and conceptually related scales: Self-stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH), Stigma of Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (SSPPH, i.e., public stigma) and Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional structure of the original PSOSH. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.84 and the 3-week test-retest reliability of was 0.77. The PSOSH showed moderate correlations with the three conceptually related scales, supporting its concurrent validity. Importantly, the PSOSH significantly predicted self-stigma scores, even when considering demographic variables and public stigma, supporting its incremental validity. The scale also demonstrated scalar invariance across gender and across subgroups who had vs. did not have previous therapy experience, supporting comparisons of latent means across these groups. The PSOSH is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing social network stigmatization of professional help-seeking in Chinese community samples.

Stigma and Discrimination Among Professionals in Portuguese Integrated Continuing Care Units: Stigma and Discrimination in ICCUs

Introduction: Stigma surrounding mental illness (MI) poses a significant obstacle to treatment access, hinders recovery, and may lead to suboptimal care. Breaking the chains of prejudice and embracing tolerance are essential steps in fostering understanding and compassion for those living with MI. Aims: This study aims to describe the levels of stigma and discrimination against individuals suffering from MI among professionals in Portuguese Integrated Continuing Care Units (ICCUs). Methods: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study involving 163 participants utilized a sociodemographic questionnaire, alongside two assessment instruments – the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27) and Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI). Results: Results revealed significant differences in stigma levels based on education (pprejudice = .001; ptolerance = .007) and occupation (pprejudice = .025), higher stigma being associated with lower education levels and specific healthcare occupations (medical assistant). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between age and stigma perception (r = -236, pprejudice = .002; r = -167, ptolerance = .033). Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent necessity for targeted anti-stigma interventions within Portuguese integrated continuing care units, focusing on mitigating education-based disparities, and addressing specific healthcare occupations that exhibit heightened stigma. Effectively combating stigma among professionals is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and compassionate environment in these care settings.

“We Love You, Katie”: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Stanford University’s Response to the Passing of Katie Meyer

In 2022, Stanford University’s Katie Meyer and at least four other college athletes in the United States died by suicide. If used appropriately, social media is a potential platform to destigmatize mental health through initiating discussions and providing educational resources. The study explores how Stanford University’s athletic department utilized Twitter to address mental health in the year after Meyer’s passing. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Fairclough’s approach to critical discourse analysis, this study examined 59 tweets posted across Stanford University’s athletic department and program platforms. The current study found that Stanford’s social media messaging reinforced mental health stigma and the sport ethic across the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystem, which discourage sport consumers from changing their perceptions of mental health stigma in sport. Furthermore, the social media messaging does not demonstrate future institutional emphasis on mental health. We conclude with best practices for college sport administrators.

Burnout, Help Seeking, and Perceptions of Psychological Safety and Stigma Among National Collegiate Athletic Association Coaches

Sport coaches face unique work-related demands that, over time, can lead to negative well-being outcomes, such as burnout. The link between burnout and mental health is supported in the literature, and public stigma around mental health has been identified as a prominent barrier to seeking help. The aim of this study was to investigate how burnout and help-seeking attitudes of National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches are impacted by psychological safety and public stigma associated with seeking help. A sample of 187 National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches participated in a cross-sectional online survey and reported sociodemographic and job-related characteristics, public stigma, self and team psychological safety, burnout, and attitudes toward help seeking. Regression-based mediation analyses revealed that greater psychological safety predicted lower levels of exhaustion and disengagement as well as more positive help-seeking attitudes. In addition, public stigma partially mediated the influence of psychological safety on exhaustion and disengagement and fully mediated the relationship between psychological safety and help-seeking attitudes. No differences in exhaustion, disengagement, and help-seeking attitudes among National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches across Divisions I, II, and III were observed. Findings lend support for intervention development to increase psychological safety as a burnout management strategy as well as to reduce public stigma associated with help seeking.