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Public conceptions of mental illness: labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance.
- Source :
-
American journal of public health [Am J Public Health] 1999 Sep; Vol. 89 (9), pp. 1328-33. - Publication Year :
- 1999
-
Abstract
- Objectives: The authors used nationwide survey data to characterize current public conceptions related to recognition of mental illness and perceived causes, dangerousness, and desired social distance.<br />Methods: Data were derived from a vignette experiment included in the 1996 General Social Survey. Respondents (n = 1444) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 vignette conditions. Four vignettes described psychiatric disorders meeting diagnostic criteria, and the fifth depicted a "troubled person" with subclinical problems and worries.<br />Results: Results indicate that the majority of the public identifies schizophrenia (88%) and major depression (69%) as mental illnesses and that most report multicausal explanations combining stressful circumstances with biologic and genetic factors. Results also show, however, that smaller proportions associate alcohol (49%) or drug (44%) abuse with mental illness and that symptoms of mental illness remain strongly connected with public fears about potential violence and with a desire for limited social interaction.<br />Conclusions: While there is reason for optimism in the public's recognition of mental illness and causal attributions, a strong stereotype of dangerousness and desire for social distance persist. These latter conceptions are likely to negatively affect people with mental illness.
- Subjects :
- Analysis of Variance
Causality
Data Collection
Fear
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Likelihood Functions
Mental Disorders prevention & control
Mental Disorders psychology
Prejudice
Substance-Related Disorders complications
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
Attitude to Health
Dangerous Behavior
Mental Disorders diagnosis
Mental Disorders etiology
Psychological Distance
Stereotyping
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0090-0036
- Volume :
- 89
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- American journal of public health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 10474548
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.89.9.1328