Internalizing Stigma Associated With Mental Illness

Abstract

In the article "Internalizing Stigma Associated with mental illness: findings from a general population survey in Jamaica" written by Gibson, Abel, White and Hickling, the stigma culture is primarily described to be associated with the mental illness which is most intense. The person who is normally a victim of stigmatization himself acts in a negative manner towards all others whom they associate with the mental illness. The following research paper aims to identify the level of internalization and assimilation of stigmatizing related to the cognitions, behaviors and attitudes of a person who is at the risk of stigmatization in Jamaica a developing country. The paper also explains that the countries where the income levels are low such problems of stigmatization exists because the population there is not aware of the mental health illness as there is a lack of knowledge in such places.

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion5

article critique5

the sociological concepts7

cultural differences9

why people stigmatize: toward a bio-cultural framework - issues of gender socialization9

public conceptions of mental illness: labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance - assimilation10

family views of stigma - the mommy track12

management of spoiled identity - ethnocentrism12

Conclusion13

References14

Internalizing Stigma Associated With Mental Illness

Introduction

The stigma culture which is associated with the mental illness is mainly intense. The reason of intensity is because those persons who are the victims of stigmatization normally act in a negative way towards others whom they associate with mental illness. The article has made an effort to determine the level of assimilation and internalization of stigmatizing behaviors, attitudes, and cognitions in those persons who are at risk of stigmatization in Jamaica.

Ministry of Health in Jamaica, in year 2006 commissioned one of the authors of this paper to have a survey for examining the attitudes, examination, and practices of the general public. The conducted survey is based on the issues in relation to mental health and illness.

Stigma is a sign of discredit or disgrace that actually sets a person apart from others. The mental health problem of a person can also get worsen due to stigma and discriminations. Mental health is linked to poor housing, unemployment, isolation on a social basis and poverty. Delay in giving help and treatment to such people will make recovery impossible at times. Society rejects those people having stigma.

The two important elements of stigma are; the difference recognition (stigma or mark), and individual or group devaluation consequently because of the characteristic. Stigma will create devaluation of an individual in society. Individuals who are facing stigmatization experience shame. According to the findings of the article written by Gibson, Abel, White and Hickling, Internalizing Stigma Associated with Mental Illness in Jamaica, there is a high level of stigmatization as a result of which there is internalization of stigmatization. The article has observed the following behaviors that are concluded on the basis of findings of the survey.

• Mentally ill persons family members, who themselves by association are stigmatization potential targets, will stigmatize them the same way as the general population ...