273373 Stigma of Mental Illness: An Overview of Research Findings and the New Directions They Demand

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM

Bernice Pescosolido, PhD , Department of Sociology/ICMHSR, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
The past 15 years has seen resurgence in research on the prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illness. Partially in response to statements from important societal representations that stigma was dissipating in the US, a series of national and international studies were conducted over the last decades to mark the public's recognition of and response to mental health problems of adults, adolescents and children, and individuals around the globe. This presentation provides an overview of findings on the cultural landscape of public stigma, an evaluation of where we stand in understanding mental health literacy and stigma, and suggestions for novel interventions.

Learning Areas:
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. To describe the current status of research on the stigma of mental illness 2. To discuss some of the most critical challenges facing individuals, families & practitioners 3. To identify the issues that pose the greatest barriers to recovery from prejudice and discrimination.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been conducting research and teaching on social issues in health, illness, and healing for over 25 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.