Strategies to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma: Perspectives of People with Lived Experience and Caregivers

Shazana Shahwan, Chong Min Janrius Goh, Gregory Tee Hng Tan, Wei Jie Ong, Siow Ann Chong and Mythily Subramaniam
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Shazana Shahwan: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
Chong Min Janrius Goh: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
Gregory Tee Hng Tan: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
Wei Jie Ong: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
Siow Ann Chong: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
Mythily Subramaniam: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Background: Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness is a global public health priority. Traditionally, anti-stigma campaigns were led by mental health professionals/organisations and had an emphasis on increasing mental health literacy. More recently, it has been argued that people with lived experience have much to contribute in terms of extending and strengthening these efforts. The purpose of this paper was to elicit views and suggestions from people with lived experience (PWLE) as well as from informal caregivers of people with mental health conditions, on effective strategies to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness. Methods: Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with PWLE recruited at outpatient services at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, and five FGDs were carried out with informal caregivers who responded to advertisements for the study between March and November 2018. In all, the sample comprised 42 PWLE and 31 caregivers. All the FGDs were transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic analysis. A pragmatic approach was adopted for the study, and the researchers did not assume any particular philosophical orientation. Results: Four overarching themes depicting strategies to combat stigma were identified through thematic analysis. They were (1) raising mental health awareness, (2) social contact, (3) advocacy by influential figures or groups, and (4) the legislation of anti-discriminatory laws. Conclusions: These strategies were in line with approaches that have been used internationally to disrupt the process of stigma. Our study has further identified nuanced details on how these strategies can be carried out as well as possible areas of priority in the Singapore landscape.

Keywords: mental health; stigma; discrimination; contact; attitudes; behavior; anti-stigma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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