Thursday, September 10, 2009

Estigma en 100 palabras.

Cortesia British Journal of Psychiatry.

por Peter Byrne.



Stigma is a prejudice (negative attitude) based on stereotypes usually leading to discrimination. Familiar mental illness stereotypes (weak, violent, comic) drive prejudice in society. Discrimination ranges from simple avoidance through exit life events (relationship, employment and housing losses) and institutional discrimination (denial of health interventions, insurance, jury service, visa inter alia). Stigma discrimination cannot occur without a power differential. When a person with mental health problems shares societal prejudices, their self-stigma contributes to further morbidity and status loss. Reducing stigma requires multiple interventions: a language of inclusion (no more ‘schizophrenics’), legal and organisational reforms, and cultural changes based on empowerment.


The British Journal of Psychiatry (2009)
195, 80. doi: 10.1192/bjp.195.1.80

No comments: