Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Mental Health Workout: Lifting Stigma, Jeremy Bambery

Master's Projects and Capstones

Mental illness affects one out of every five Americans between the ages 13-18, and it is estimated that two-thirds of these individuals will not seek treatment due to the stigma associated with having a mental illness or mental health issue (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Access to information and the ability to talk openly without fear will aid in creating a stigma free future. The goal of this project is to supply high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area with information regarding the stigma associated with mental health and mental illness via videos that will be used as …

Stigmatizing Attitudes Towards Men And Women Combat Veterans With Combat Related Ptsd, Heather L. Caldwell

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Veterans with PTSD experience stigma and discrimination. The extent to which women combat veterans with PTSD may experience stigma and discrimination has yet to be investigated. This is critical given the increasing number of women veterans exposed to combat and combat trauma. Level of familiarity may affect stigmatizing beliefs. Gender may also affect stigmatizing beliefs. To assess this, 126 undergraduate students (men, n = 69) were randomly assigned to view videos of a man or woman veteran describing combat experience and their PTSD symptoms. Participants completed questionnaires assessing PTSD symptoms, level of familiarity with veterans, and stigmatizing attitudes toward the …

The Public Consequences Of A Personal Choice: The Impact Of The Decision To Be Childfree In Family-Friendly America, Emily Ingalls

Dissertations

The topic of diversity and inclusion has garnered increased interest over the past decade, with 78% of executives listing the topics as critical initiatives (Forbes, 2011). One group that has received little attention but continues to be stigmatized is the childfree population, or those individuals who deliberately choose not to have children. Previous research has examined opinions of this group generally and in the workplace, specifically, but this research frequently considers childfree and childless people under the same umbrella. This study examined ratings of the childfree in the workplace compared to childless adults as well as to parents. The potential …

Investigating Barriers To Mental Health Care In Law Enforcement Officers, Samantha F. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The profession of law enforcement is an inherently stressful job. Although the physical stress of the job is often discussed, the mental health impact on officers is often ignored, resulting in poor mental health and increased risk for suicide. The purpose of the current study was to investigate factors related to the reluctance of law enforcement officers (LEOs) to seeking treatment, as well as to gain an understanding of the prevalence rates of disorders in a law enforcement population. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants (N = 306) across a variety of agencies. Correlation, moderated regression analysis, and structural …

Social Cognitive Processes In The Priming Of Mental Illness Stereotypes By The Media, Ginny Chan

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In high-profile violent incidents, there appears to be a disproportionate focus on the perpetrator’s mental health status in relation to the incident (Angermeyer & Matschinger, 1996). Several studies have highlighted the biased nature of the media in reporting news on mental illness and its negative impact on general consensus (Corrigan et al., 2013; Wahl, 1992, 2003). Researchers have also suggested that the media is a significant source of knowledge for the public (Jorm, 2000; Wahl, 2003). Based on a social cognitive perspective, pragmatic inference and stereotype priming provide a framework to understand the reader’s comprehension. The current studies aimed to …

The Effects Of Gender Role Conflict, Stigma, And Social Support On Help-Seeking In Male Service Members, Lindsay Erika Danforth

Theses and Dissertations

It is a well-documented fact that men tend to seek professional help less frequently than women. Several factors might affect one’s help seeking behaviors, including gender role conflict, stigma, and perceived social support. This study served to examine help-seeking in male service members; more specifically, it explored how the above mentioned factors influenced attitudes and intentions towards seeking help. It also assessed whether or not the Gender Role Conflict Scale acts as a microcontextual primer. The data was analyzed using a structural equation modeling procedure. Results indicated a poor fit of the model to the data. Results also suggested that …

Understanding Mediators Of The Relationship Between Hiv-Related Stigma And Medication Adherence Among People Living With Hiv (Hiv), Shannon Marie Sweeney

Dissertations - ALL

Although accumulated research demonstrates that HIV-related stigma is associated with medication adherence difficulties for PLWH, this literature is limited by inconsistencies in the conceptualization and assessment of both stigma and adherence. Additionally, few empirical research studies provide tests of the psychosocial mechanisms that may account for the stigma-adherence relationship. The present study sought to clarify these relationships using more refined measures, which assessed multiple domains of stigma (i.e., internalized, anticipated, and enacted stigmas) and multiple domains of adherence (i.e., global and intentional nonadherence). It was further hypothesized that two mediational pathways, depressive symptoms and disclosure concerns, may mediate the association …

Therapeutic Treatments For Ptsd : Does Type Of Treatment Impact Help Seeking Behaviors In A Military Sample?, Tyler Conley Halford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are several known barriers that people face that decrease the likelihood of seeking professional psychological help. The present study sought to identify whether certain treatment types for PTSD serve as barriers to seeking psychological help. It specifically sought to identify trauma-focused treatments as potential barriers due to their perception of being emotionally challenging. A survey was administered to 84 respondents. Of the respondents, 41 were randomly assigned to read a treatment protocol for an exposure-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD, which 43 were randomly assigned to read a protocol for a trauma-avoidant psychotherapy for PTSD. Measures of attitudes toward seeking …

Exploring Protective Factors Among Lesbians, Gays, And Bisexuals: A Framework For Psychological Well-Being And Relative Influence, Sheri Laduke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals must regularly navigate stigma, or social situations in which they are devalued because of their sexual orientation. The research has well established minority stress processes which link situations of stigma to reports of poor psychological well-being. However, protective factors leading to healthy psychological well-being are relatively understudied. This dissertation is a review of protective factors that have already emerged in the research and an assessment of these protective factors simultaneously to better understand how they influence psychological well-being. I recruited adult sexual minority participants using a comprehensive social media approach. I then tested mastery, problem-solving …

Effects Of Value Reasoning On Stigmatization Of People With Schizophrenia, Yixian Li

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Effective interventions are much needed to reduce stigma against those with mental illness. Two experimental studies were conducted to examine the effectiveness of value-based reasoning interventions in reducing mental illness stigma, and the extent to which relationships between values and social distance are mediated by attitudes and subjective norms. In study 1, writing about reasons related to values was found ineffective in influencing responses to a hypothetical person with schizophrenia. In study 2, there was some evidence suggesting that considering why self-transcendence values are more important than self-enhancement values led to more positive attitudes towards behaviors reflecting less social distance …

The Role Of Threat-Based Beliefs In Mental Health Help-Seeking Processes For Depression, Jason I. Chen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mental illness among college students is a significant public health concern. Among mental health issues, one of the most prevalent and impairing is depression. Although many students experience depression, the majority do not seek help. Past research has shown that stigma beliefs are associated with help-seeking, but interventions targeting stigma have been unsuccessful at increasing help-seeking prompting the need to explore alternative models. Currently, there has been little research evaluating the role of threat-based beliefs related to help-seeking processes. As well, it remains unclear how different threat-based beliefs may interact and be related to help-seeking intentions.

The purpose of these …

Visual Code: Breaking The Binary, Jacob Johannesen, Andrew Adriance

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

This project seeks to create an accessible programming language that is more visually based. Although some solutions exist, namely MIT’s Scratch, nothing has caught up to the mobile age. This proj- ect aims to reframe creating a game or app into the context of tell- ing a story, putting character creation first. By researching sto- ry-telling and how people learn, and by applying technical and user interface design knowledge, this project intends to deliver a soft- ware solution that opens introductory coding education to more people.

The Cultural Isolation Of Providers And Educators Caused By Stigma And Compassion Fatigue When Serving Survivors Of Invisible Wounds, Bronwyn G. Pughe

Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to give voice to the lived experience of providers and educators regarding stigma and compassion fatigue. In this study, using critical social theory as a lens, I seek to understand how providers and educators experience and recognize the stigma they carry, their own compassion fatigue and what they do to stay healthy—including mental physical, emotional/psychological, intellectual, and spiritual health.

Quantitative Research: Social Workers’ Perceptions Of Mental Illness, Daniel Nordlund

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study examines Minnesota Licensed Social Workers’ perceptions of mental illness. The researcher developed a quantitative survey consisting of 39 questions from four pre- existing surveys, as well as the researcher’s own questions, to measure different types of stigma associated with mental illness. Three major themes were analyzed: level of education, personal experience, and professional experience, and how they related to possible stigma towards mental illness. A combination of frequency distributions, Chi Square, Pearson Correlation, and Independent T-test were utilized to answer the question: “What are social workers’ perceptions on mental illness related to stigma; and how does this vary …

Somali Parents And Their Perceptions Of The Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis, Aragsan Samatar

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The design of this research study is a qualitative methodology utilizing semi- structured interviews. The purpose of this study was to explore specifically how Somali parents experience, perceive, and understand their child’s diagnosis, the diagnostic process, and treatment services. A total of four Somali parents were interviewed for this research study. Following the interviews, themes that were identified during the analysis process involve understanding of autism, support, and feelings during the diagnostic process, self- advocacy and education. The themes discovered in this study were similar to many of the key themes present in the Autism and Somali related literature. However, …

Smoking Cessation And The Role Of Stigma: A Systematic Review, Carl White

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There have been smoking cessation programs in existence for more than three decades. Stigma has been used in smoking campaigns with good results for individuals in higher socioeconomic status, but not for those in poverty. Perceptions of smokers and behaviors of smokers continue to be stigmatized. This paper reviews the existing literature in an attempt to understand what role stigma plays in smoking cessation programs for those living in poverty.

The Effect Of Weight On The Perceptions Of And Attitudes Toward Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa, Allison E. White

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A large body of research has shown that stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals with mental illness are widespread and prevalent. Fewer studies have focused on stigma toward eating disorders, in general, and even less have focused on the stigma of anorexia nervosa (AN), specifically. Preliminary research indicates that AN may be both stigmatizing and admired, but the factors contributing to the perception of AN has not been adequately studied. To date, researchers have yet to examine the role of body size in the perception of and attitudes toward individuals with AN. By showing participants one of three female figures varying only …

Effect Of Empathy Intervention On Perceptions And Beliefs About Individuals Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asia Rose Hulse

MSU Graduate Theses

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience stigma through acts of discrimination, bullying, and feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additional concerns of bearing the diagnosis include being treated differently by peers and an overall sense of feeling different than others. However, inclusive behavior and positive attitudes toward individuals with ASD can be facilitated through contact and interventions. This study sought to understand the impact of an empathic training video compared to an educational training video on college students' beliefs and knowledge about peers with this disorder. Results were significant for participants receiving the empathic training for higher scores …

The Effects Of Brief, Passive Psychoeducation On Suicide Literacy, Stigma, And Attitudes Toward Help-Seeking Among Latino Immigrants Living In The United States, Aubrey Renee Dueweke

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Latino immigrants drastically underutilize mental health treatment services compared to other ethnic groups, despite rates of mental illness that are comparable to those observed among the general population. With regards to suicidal behavior specifically, twice as many Latino suicide attempters do not seek or receive psychiatric services in the year prior to attempting suicide, compared to non-Latino White attempters. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether provision of brief, passive psychoeducation in the form of a brochure could increase suicide literacy (i.e., recognizing suicidal behavior, understanding risk factors and causes of suicidal behavior), reduce stigma toward suicidal …

Psychotherapy Dropout : The Influence Of Ethnic Identity And Stigma On Early Termination., Le'keldric Jawon Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although clients continue to drop out of psychotherapy, researchers have made few inroads into understanding the dropout phenomenon. Clinical studies have reported client dropout rates based on demographic factors (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, educational status). However, few studies have investigated the cultural correlates that may underlie these demographic factors and affect client termination. Furthermore, none have provided an empirically driven explanation as to why some clients drop out more often than others. In two studies, I explore dropout in two settings: a community mental health center and a university counseling center. Guided by current theory and research, I will examine …

Divergent Discourse: A Case Study Analyzing The Effects Of Campus Communication About Sexual Assault, Melissa H. Nipper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzes campus discourse at a university in south central Appalachia in an effort to highlight the role of communication in the prevention of sexual assault and its powerful effects on communities and individuals. Using a critical feminist lens, this qualitative case study identifies the communication goals, interpretations, and strategies of two important speech communities who participate in sexual assault discourse on college campuses—campus professionals who communicate about the issue of sexual assault (issue managers) and sexual assault survivors whose identity is shaped by sexual assault (identity managers). While both groups talk about the problem, the parties diverge on …

Obesity In Society: The Importance Of Perception, Michael Darnell Oliver Ii

Masters Theses

In the current study, I examined the role of positive and negative media images of obese individuals on attitudes and physiological responding in relation to an actual discrimination incident. Various surveys were administered and Body Mass Index (BMI), salivary Alpha Amylase (sAA), and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) or Skin Conductance (SC) were measured. Participants read a vignette in which an obese individual was discriminated against and further questions were administered to assess attributional blame. My primary hypothesis in this study was that there would be a decrease in stigma due to positive priming, specifically stigma directed at the obese population. …

Alone, Together: The Influence Of Stigmatization On Cultural Relationality, Elizabeth Helen Fles

Masters Theses

It is no secret that great disparities in wealth and opportunities pervade our society. Psychological research pertaining to resource inequality attributes these disparities a product of social stigmatization, which is the experience of societal rejection due to the negative stereotypes associated with group membership. Social stigma is correlated with adverse effects; the current research explores the possibility that stigma can alter the extent to which others are included in one’s sense of self, also known as cultural relationality. Study 1 investigated this relationship by measuring both stigma and relationality using self-report measures and found relationality to be negatively correlated with …

Talking About Aphasia: The Two Voices Of Insight, Elizabeth O'Brien

College Honors Program

This thesis aims to understand the lived experience of communication disorders (CDs), including the challenges, stigmas, and misconceptions related to CDs. It draws upon in-depth interviews with speech-language pathologists (SLPs), participant observations of people with aphasia, and observations of aphasia forum websites. During the data collection process, people talked about the stigmas and hardships of CDs and the subjective experience of having trouble communicating with others. This thesis will use their words and ideas to highlight the important aspects of coping with and treating CDs. It discusses how people with aphasia think about space, their body, and time, and considers …

Madness In The Media: Understanding How People With Lived Experience Interpret Newspaper Headlines, Da Qing Wang

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There is research on media representations of mental health that suggests there is a tendency to portray mental health as problematic and those who are affected by mental illness as dangerous. It is evident there has been an increase in anti-stigma media campaigns. However, the effects of these efforts on beliefs held by members of the public has been mixed. What is most surprising from the literature is a lack of research about how people who have personal experience with mental illness interpret media messages. Individuals with and without lived experience participated in a structured conceptualization process known as concept …

Beyond Superfund: How Four Communities Market Outdoor Recreation To Overcome Stigma, Kelley Christensen

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This paper reports on how four American towns that have active Superfund remediation underway in their communities are attempting to overcome stigma associated with the cleanup in part by promoting outdoor recreation. These towns are located in high-amenity areas and are able to market a bevy of recreational opportunities. This paper analyzes the interviews of eight people (two from each town) and print promotional materials from each community to determine rhetorical marketing techniques employed by each place. Finally, this paper uses quantitative data from a variety of sources to analyze how effective the marketing rhetoric has been in recent years.

Anti-Fat Attitudes And Weight Bias Internalization: An Investigation Of How Bmi Impacts Perceptions, Opinions And Attitudes, Laurie Schrider

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Americans hold negative and judgmental attitudes towards obese and overweight individuals and these anti-fat attitudes and weight stigma have become a damaging form of discrimination. The internalization of weight bias and anti-fat attitudes contributes to negative health outcomes including: feelings of devalue, self-hate, anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction and eating disturbances. The purpose of this study was to investigate weight bias internalization in individuals who perceive themselves as overweight as well as to examine differences in anti-fat attitudes among normal and overweight individuals. A sample of 202 male and females completed an online survey that assessed anti-fat attitudes via the Anti-Fat …

Disability Visibility And Stigma Threat: Effects On The Performance, Stress, And Self-Control Of Disabled Workers, William Brice

Open Access Theses

Having a stigmatized disability is a depleting experience. For those with a disability, there are many factors that contribute to potential performance decrements in any given situation. Visibility of the disability, and the stigma connected to the disability are two such factors—which I argue based on research on motivation, regulation, and stress, contributes to the regulatory depletion experienced by disabled individuals. I conducted an experimental study where participants took part in a workplace simulation. Participants were given an artificially simulated disability and both the visibility of the disability and the stigmatizing nature of the disability were manipulated. I found a …

Managing Workers Who Are Deaf: A Phenomenological Investigation Of Hearing Supervisors, Hayley Sneiderman Stokar

Dissertations

This study examines the experience of hearing managers of Deaf employees in the restaurant sector, specifically as it relates to accommodation and social integration. Deaf workers who use American Sign Language differ from their hearing peers with regard to communication style, language choice, and need for accommodation. Responsibility for social integration and logistical accommodation falls largely on managers, who may be unfamiliar with the needs and capabilities of Deaf workers. The aim of this study is to generate knowledge about the accommodation and social integration experiences of managers with Deaf workers that can benefit those unfamiliar with these phenomena. The …

The Influence Of Perceived Relationship Quality With The Deceased, And Guilt, On Suicide Survivors' Grief Reactions, Nicole Carden Dishman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The objective of this study was to examine whether or not (1) the quality (emotional attachment, level of psychological closeness) of the pre-mortem relationship between a suicide survivor and the deceased, and (2) the amount of guilt experienced has influenced grief reactions in suicide survivors. Specifically, complicated grief, perceived stigma, and overall quality of life were examined. Data were collected from 1130 adult participants between the ages 18 and 80, who identified as having lost someone to suicide, in a time period more than six months prior to survey completion. This dissertation's findings suggest that guilt has a detrimental impact …