Premium Essay

Social Stigma Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 252
Pages 2
I am a firm believer that social stigma does exist against individuals who seek treatment for mental health concerns. This topic really hits home for two reasons. One, I have A.D.D., and two, I suffer from depression. It took me a while to say these things out loud. I cried when I was diagnosed because I did not want to rely on medication for me to function normally. I also didn't want people to look at me different. Even though I have accepted it, I still get people who think it is all in my head. They really think it is something that I can fix if I concentrate harder, or think happier thoughts. I have had a close friend tell me that depression is not even a real thing. Social stigma is out there. As stated in the artical, "No shame, no blame:

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Hiv Disease Stigma

...Erving Goffman was one of the first sociologists to write about disease stigma. Goffman thought that people were stigmatized by others on the basis of being different, and this “deviance” results in “spoiled identity.” (Bios Sociologicus:) Singling people out as different devalues their social position. This idea of stigma focused on the social/psychological processes of being stigmatized and the consequences of stigma. Using a variety of qualitative methods, Goffman developed classifications of the different elements of social interaction. (Goffman E. 1971) Goffman made contributions to the related fields of the sociology of mental illness and the sociology of stigma. Goffman defined a stigma as a ‘deeply discrediting’ attribute in the context of a set of relationships. He distinguished three types: abominations of the body, blemishes of character and tribal stigmata. (Bios Sociologicus:) Goffman knew that the handling of possibly damaging information was critical for three aspects of our identity: “the ‘personal’, the ‘social’ and the ‘ego”. (Tarwireyi F.) Our personal identity is what makes each of us unique and it consists of fingerprints of our life histories. Our identity is what others understand about us. Our ego identity refers to what we think about ourselves. In one part of Stigma Goffman suggested that we are all, to some degree, stigmatized. (Bios Sociologicus:) There is a huge amount of inequalities in health that we see within and between countries...

Words: 532 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Student

...Beauty Myth, Stigma, and Deviance Carol Webb Northwood University In the year 2013 where as a society people are accepting that men marry men and women marry women, it is hard to believe that as a society we still judge a person and their professional capabilities based on their physical appearance. The reality is that this is an ongoing problem, not just in the United States, but globally. The manner in which people are treated that are defined as deviant by any person or group of people, can have an extremely negative effect on their emotional well being, and as a result on their physical health as well. This paper will address the correlation that exists between the Beauty Myth, the Stigma it creates, and how deviance plays a role in these beliefs, especially in the work place. In the book The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women by Naomi Wolfe, she states that the basic premise of The Beauty Myth is that as a women have gained increased social power and prominence, expected adherence to standards of physical beauty has grown stronger for women. (Naomi Wolfe, 1991). In the workforce, this expectancy that is placed on employees can range from the business owner or management if they are passed up on a job opportunity, or for promotion. A personal view that the obese person is lazy or sloppy can originate from the co-workers that gossips or say cruel things, often on a daily basis. Social stigma as defined by Wikipedia is the extreme disapproval...

Words: 1047 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Mental Health Practice

...Introduction: The first Part of this paper will review the literature to define Classification. Briefly Discuss DSM IV and ICD 10 and list the main categories of clinical disorders. The paper will discuss the main dangers of classification identified as labelling and Stigma which have lifelong implications for those diagnosed with a mental illness. The main advantages of classification such as most appropriate treatment and community education Definition of the Classification system used to Diagnosis Mental illness. As Social workers it important to try and grasp the concepts of how classification of mental illness is arrived at and to have a basic knowledge of the types of mental disorders people can be classified as having so we can understand the basis of a diagnosis. According Mendelson (2001) “Classification refers to ordering of objects into groups on the basis of their relationship. The result is a classificatory system. Nomenclature related to agreed names that have been assigned to disease or syndromes. Taxonomy covers principles and methods underlying the practice of classification. Finally, nosology denotes the conceptual system that supports the strategy of classifying.” ( Mendelson 2001 p. 63) Golightley (2004) text states that classification is an important step towards the diagnosis of a mental disorder. Mental disorder is broken down into various classifications that represent groups or syndromes of symptoms. Thus if a series of symptoms fits into...

Words: 5169 - Pages: 21

Premium Essay

Writing a Short Literature Review

...William Ashton, Ph.D. York College, CUNY A student began a short literature review on the stigma of the mentally ill and perceptions of dangerousness. Working through PsychArticles she found three likely articles. When she read each, she wrote a paragraph description of each: Alexander, L.A., & Link, B.G. (2003). The impact of contact on stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental illness. Journal of Mental Health, 12, 271-289. Alexander and Link (2003) examined the stigma of mental illness, perceptions of dangerousness and social distance in a telephone survey. They found that, as a participant’s own life contact with mentally ill individuals increased, participants were both less likely to perceive a target mentally ill individual in a vignette as physically dangerous and less likely to desire social distance from the target. This relationship remained after controlling for demographic and confound variables, such as gender, ethnicity, education, income and political conservatism. They also found that any type of contact – with a friend, a spouse, a family member, a work contact, or a contact in a public place – with mentally ill individuals reduced perceptions of dangerousness of the target in the vignette. Corrigan, P. W., Rowan, D., Green, A., Lundin, R., River, P., Uphoff-Wasowski, K., White, K., & Kubiak, M.A. (2002). Challenging two mental illness stigmas: Personality responsibility and dangerousness. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 28, 293-309. Corrigan...

Words: 3181 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Leprosy Social Problem

...challenges of leprosy and the stigma following the diseases had been universal. The extent and size of the stigma varies from country to country depending on the level of the spread of the diseases. Leprosy has long been stigmatized because of visible deformities...

Words: 2267 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Group Comparison Paper

...Group Comparison Paper Troy R. Witt The world is often a beautiful place. There are triumphant tales of kindred spirits helping those in need, of people coming together despite their differences, and of those once lost being found. However, there is another side of life that combats these positive stories with that of prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination, stigmas, and hate towards those who stand out or have unique attributes. Especially when compared to our culture of power that is often white, healthy, and traditional. The following will define, describe the treatment of, and perceive the lives of two of these stigmatized groups, those with obesity and those who are LGBT, to further detail the similarities and differences of their daily struggles. One clear, thematic, distinction is the blatant external identification of obese individuals against the hidden sexual stigma of those who are LGBT. Group Definition Weight stigma is a social stigma in which those who are overweight or obese are targets of prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors. This stigma is present across many dimensions in our society and can be seen in interpersonal, institutional, organizational, and cultural discrimination. Alarmingly, research has discerned the weight stigma has become more prevalent in our society, as weight based discrimination has increased 66% from the 1990’s into the 2000’s (Andreyeva, T., Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D., 2008). Despite this group actually being a majority...

Words: 1894 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Homosexuality Mental Health Issues

...very recently has the idea of homosexuality become a bit more accepted and deemed “normal” than from the past. Despite this, homosexuals still suffer immensely in many aspects such as stress and discrimination. One of the most prevalent things homosexuals suffer from is mental health issues. Findings from a study that was conducted in Norway, gave evidence that homosexuals suffer from more mental health problems such as substance use disorders, mood disorders, and suicide than heterosexuals (Cochran, 2001). Why are mental health issues so prevalent amongst the homosexual community? What is the reason homosexuals suffer from psychological issues? In my paper, I will discuss how homosexuals suffer and are at a high risk for psychological issues due to the stigma, animosity, and discrimination that is rampant in their stressful social environment. The mental health of homosexual individuals has been a cause of debate for many years. In 1960 to 1970, homosexuality was named as a psychological disorder by the DSM, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM; American Psychiatric Association, 1973). It was eventually removed, but it blemished the discussion of mental health and homosexuality which would have a deep mark on society. At this point in time, many people already viewed homosexuality as something objectionable, but its temporary label as a disorder created an even bolder view of repulse and abomination. The debate that was stirred as a result of this,...

Words: 1067 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Hiv in Women

...Scholarly paper on HIV in women Student name: Institution: Introduction Relevant nursing issue Some of the questions that arise from women living with HIV are barrier to social services. It affects the livelihood of women; thus, they are unable to acquire some essential services. Another issue is that they have mental health problem; thus, they are placed at a higher risk for HIV infection. They also face stigmatization that is rooted in discrimination (Peninnah, 2013). Other issues that arise are limitation to children health care, misinformation regarding treatment options, lack of access to transportation, substance abuse in regard to treatment, and unstable housing. There are attempts that have been put to measure and understand one’s health status. The rules also incorporate the physical wellbeing, psychological status, and cognitive functioning (Deanna, 2013). The tests are referred to as Health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It is a way of knowing how individuals feel about their health. It is done from an interactive and interpretive point of view. It enables an empathetic understanding of daily life experience is different life settings. HRQoL also enhances the identification of the different race, gender, class and social positioning. It also considers social cultural and political forces. It has been knotted that, PLHIV...

Words: 2360 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Journal Article Critique Paper

...Journal Article Critique Paper BSHS 435 January 15 2016 Literature Review In this article critique paper as a team we are researching what the effects are that a behavioral specialist has on the behavioral control for the mentally disabled. While not all clients have improvement, with evaluation in methodology in mental illness, the causes of the positive or negative program outcomes become the primary focus of study. Behavioral specialist teach their clients the skills that they need to improve on their personal social skills. Unlike other research methodologies, evaluation research is usually initiated by someone's need for a decision to be made about policy, program management, or strategic planning. It is important to understand the effects that a behavioral specialist has on the mentally disabled. With evaluation in methodology in mental illness, the causes of the positive or negative program outcomes become the primary focus of study. Using program goals and actual individual and group performance measures in meeting these objectives, evaluation researchers attempt to locate factors related to the actual program outcomes. Traditionally, an evaluator will work directly with program leadership, staff, and consumers to determine the most salient factors that define program performance concerning the goals of a program. In ideal evaluation study situations, mental health service program staff, directors, funding sources, and all other groups that have a stake...

Words: 1210 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Ethno

...Ethnographic research: oral interview 4-5 pages double spaced An ethnography is a long term investigation of a group (often a culture) that is based on immersion in and, optimally, participation in that group. Ethnography provides a detailed exploration of group activity and may include the collection of historical information and in-person interviews of members of the group. It is an approach which employs multiple methodologies to arrive at a theoretically comprehensive understanding of a group or culture. Ethnography attempts to explain the web of interdependence of group behaviors and interactions. In this assignment, you will interview a disabled or chronically ill person and make observations about the person based on your understanding of what it means to be a member of this social category. Remember that disability and chronic illness include both visible and invisible elements, and that there is great variation in age, class, ethnicity, and gender identity. You may also interview the parent of a child with a disability as long as the parent can speak on behalf of the child’s social experience or experience in society. You will use your knowledge of course concepts related to disability identity and group belonging. The interview can take place in person or, if absolutely necessary, over Skype, but not on the phone. It is important that you read facial expressions and have a sense of the respondent’s non-verbal communication. You should find out as much as you can...

Words: 663 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

File(S) to Download

...JAN REVIEW PAPER Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis Jane Noyes1 & Jennie Popay2 Accepted for publication 29 September 2006 Jane Noyes DPhil MSc RN RSCN Professor of Nursing Research, Co-Convenor Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group University of Wales, Bangor, UK Jennie Popay MA Professor of Sociology and Public Health, Co-Convenor Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK Correspondence to Jane Noyes: e-mail: jane.noyes@bangor.ac.uk 2 1 N O Y E S J . & P O P A Y J . ( 2 0 0 7 ) Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 57(3), 227–243 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.04092.x Abstract Title. Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis Aim. This paper reports the findings from a qualitative meta-synthesis concerning people with, or at risk of, tuberculosis, service providers and policymakers and their experiences and perceptions of tuberculosis and treatment. Background. Directly observed therapy is part of a package of interventions to improve tuberculosis treatment and adherence. A Cochrane systematic review...

Words: 12780 - Pages: 52

Premium Essay

The Social Demography of Internet Dating in the United States

...THE SOCIAL DEMOGRAPHY OF INTERNET DATING IN THE UNITED STATES* Jessica M. Sautter Rebecca M. Tippett S. Phillip Morgan Duke University Durham, NC *The authors share equal authorship. We thank Doug Downey, Mary Madden, Emilio Parrado, and Lynn Smith-Lovin for comments on earlier drafts and the Pew Internet & American Life Project for making the data used here available. Earlier versions of this paper were presented at the Southern Sociological Society Meetings, March 25, 2006 and the Southern Demographic Association Meetings, November 5, 2005. We acknowledge research support from an NIH contract, “New Approaches to Explaining Family Change and Variation” (N01-HD-3-3354). Direct correspondence to Rebecca M. Tippett: Department of Sociology, Duke University, Box 90088, Durham, NC 27708-0088. E-mail: rtippett@soc.duke.edu APPROX 8,808 WORDS (FULL DOCUMENT, INC ABSTRACT, TABLES, REFERENCES) Social Demography of Internet Dating THE SOCIAL DEMOGRAPHY OF INTERNET DATING IN THE UNITED STATES Abstract: Using the first nationally representative survey to focus on internet dating, we identify those “at risk” of using internet dating, i.e., one must have internet access and have been single in the past five years during the technology’s growth. We identify socio-demographic correlates of both these selective processes and estimate use of internet dating net of these processes. We find that socioeconomic and demographic factors have strong effects on the selective processes...

Words: 6813 - Pages: 28

Premium Essay

Organizational Development for Developmental Disabilities School

...Organizational Development a for Developmental disabilities school Tina Towndrow BUS 370 Organizational Development Instructor Jerry Spight May 22, 2014 Organizational Development for Developmental disabilities school Starting a nonprofit human services organization in the form of a daycare/learning facility is never an easy task. Difficulties range from funding, experience, cultural acceptance, even parental acceptance. In this paper I plan to discuss my business plan and the difficulties that I face with starting it. I also plan to discuss diagnostic skills to identify OD issues, problems, and opportunities. This paper will also touch on organizational situations that require professional assistance, and I will diagnose a few system issues and I will discuss appropriate interventions. My future business plan involves different aspects of the learning process. My best friend Rachael has a master degree in early childhood education as well as specific training in developmental disabilities in children. I have almost ten years of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and almost finished with my degree in Business Administration and a minor in Human resources. Our business plan is to create a learning environment for children from age 2 to 5 with developmental disabilities. This is just the beginning because eventually we would like to expand and create a school specifically for all children with developmental disabilities. A brief...

Words: 2955 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Is Ict Cause Social Ills?

...cause of today's many social ills. What is your opinion? Support your answers with examples. You should write at least 350 words. *gulp bismillah... Innovation and development in our country have caused many changes especially in various technologies. We are now merging the era where (ICT) Information and communications technology has come crucial to our daily live, however this arrogation for (ICT) to be one major component in almost each and every single activity of our routines. Subsequently, when the goods of (ICT) outshine the cons we tend to be blinded by the replenishment it brings to our country. As for example, we can see how (ICT) improves our administration system, educational system and not forgetting our economy. Virtually the benefits outstandingly overshadowing the negative resolutions in which (ICT) possess, none has the integrity to acknowledge this due to the (ICT) contribution towards our world. According to Cambridge Dictionary (ICT) is where massive exchange of information or data occurs anywhere and anytime. Indeed, it does brings a lot of benefits to our daily life, notwithstanding what if the "information" or "data" we are referring to can be contagiously negative to the vulnerable stakeholders? Interrogating who could they be? Whether we realise it or not the most affected by the (ICT) which left venomous impact as it is poisoning their mind and slowly corrupting it. Perplexed, (ICT) has been causing many social ills in reality, despite...

Words: 1380 - Pages: 6