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Li XH, Wong YLI, Wu Q, Ran MS, Zhang TM. Chinese College Students' Stigmatization towards People with Mental Illness: Familiarity, Perceived Dangerousness, Fear, and Social Distance. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1715. [PMID: 39273739 PMCID: PMC11394821 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12171715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attribution models have been examined in Western countries. However, little is known about the applicability of the attitude-emotion-behavior model within Chinese culture. This study aimed to examine the association between familiarity, perceived dangerousness, fear, and social distance towards persons with mental illness (PMI) in the Chinese context. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to November 2022 in mainland China. A total of 1493 college students completed a questionnaire evaluating familiarity, perception of dangerousness, fear, and social distance regarding PMI. Path analysis was employed to validate the model proposed in this study. RESULTS Participants expressed moderate to high levels of stigma towards PMI. Familiarity was negatively associated with social distance (p < 0.01). Participants who perceived PMI as dangerous were more prone to exhibit a reaction of fear (p < 0.001), consequently leading to social distance (p < 0.01). However, the mediating effect of perceived dangerousness and fear on the relationship between familiarity and social distance was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide support for Corrigan's attributional model of stigma in the Chinese context. Contact-based interventions for stigma reduction should emphasize multiple elements of contact, including the quality of contact, rather than familiarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Hong Li
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin-Ling Irene Wong
- School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 16802, USA
| | - Qinglu Wu
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Mao-Sheng Ran
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tian-Ming Zhang
- Department of Social Work, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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Yang X, Hu J, Zhang B, Ding H, Hu D, Li H. The relationship between mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking behavior among Chinese college students: mediating roles of perceived social support and psychological help-seeking stigma. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1356435. [PMID: 38939229 PMCID: PMC11208703 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1356435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mental health literacy is viewed as a significant factor that may facilitate an individual's pursuit of professional psychological assistance. However, it is important to explore further influencing factors that might underlie this association. This study, employing the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), aims to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and the behavior of seeking professional psychological help, with a focus on the potential mediating roles of perceived stigma and social support in this context. Methods We surveyed 911 college students in seven regions of China (406 males and 505 females, aged between 19 and 25 years old; M age = 19.65, SD = 1.41) utilizing self-report measures, including the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire, Professional Psychological Help-Seeking Behavior Scale, Professional Psychological Help-Seeking Stigma Scale, and Perceived Social Support Scale. A chain mediation model was developed to analyze the interconnections between mental health literacy, stigma related to seeking psychological help, perceived social support, and professional psychological help-seeking behaviors. Results The mediation effect analysis indicates that: (1) mental health literacy significantly positively correlates with professional psychological help-seeking behaviors; (2) both perceived social support and professional psychological help-seeking stigma significantly mediate the relationship between mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking behavior; (3) perceived social support and the stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help play a chained mediating effect between mental health literacy and the behavior of seeking professional psychological help. Discussion This study found that mental health literacy indirectly facilitates professional psychological help-seeking behaviors by enhancing the perception of social support and reducing the stigma associated with seeking such help. These findings help in understanding how improving mental health literacy and perceived social support while reducing stigma can increase the likelihood of individuals seeking professional psychological assistance. The results are significant for enhancing the utilization of mental health services and implementing mental health education programs in universities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Hu
- School of Marxism, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingren Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Ding
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danying Hu
- Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, Ningbo Polytechnic, Ningbo, China
| | - Hangdong Li
- Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
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Ho GWK, Mui JHC, Wong R, Chien WT, Wong KH, Bressington D. Visitor characteristics and changes in mental health stigma after attending the Mind Space mental health experience exhibition. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1302799. [PMID: 38742134 PMCID: PMC11089183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1302799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mind Space is an experiential mental health exhibition in Hong Kong, aiming to raise public awareness and provide education regarding mental health. This prepost study aimed to 1) examine the relationships between visitors' characteristics and their mental health stigma at baseline, and 2) provide a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of Mind Space in reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking attitudes toward mental health conditions. Methods We analyzed data from all consenting visitors who attended Mind Space between September 2019 and December 2021. Visitors' attitudes toward mental health conditions and their willingness to seek professional psychological help were measured through online questionnaires before and after visits. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the demographic predictors of outcome variables at baseline. Changes in outcome variables after attending Mind Space were assessed using paired sample t-tests. Results A total of 382 visitors completed the baseline questionnaires, among which 146 also completed the post-test. At baseline, higher socioeconomic levels and personal contact with people with mental health conditions predicted more positive attitudes and understanding toward mental disorders. Tentatively, the results also showed that after attending Mind Space, a significant reduction in negative attitudes about mental illness (t=4.36, p=<.001; d=.361) and improvements in the propensity to seek professional help (t=-5.20, p<.001; d=-.430) were observed, along with decreases in negative attitudes toward stereotypes (t=4.71, p=<.001; d=.421) and restrictions (t=2.29, p=.024; d=.205) among healthcare professionals. Discussion Our findings highlight the need for mental health education for people with lower socioeconomic status and the importance of direct contact in public mental health education initiatives. The present study also suggests that Mind Space may be a useful model for public mental health education, but the exhibition requires further evaluation to ascertain if any reductions in stigma are maintained over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace W. K. Ho
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jolene Hang Chun Mui
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Raymond Wong
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwan Ho Wong
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daniel Bressington
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Liu HY, Liu QH, Li ZR, Deng CS, Zhang XP, Wan LH. The cognitive appraisal path of stroke knowledge, coping traits, family functioning and stigma among stroke patients: A moderated parallel mediation model. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:1048-1061. [PMID: 37828751 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To establish a cognitive appraisal path model that examines the impact of stroke knowledge on stigma with the parallel mediating effects of negative and positive coping traits, as well as the moderating effects of family functioning. BACKGROUND Stroke-related stigma, a 'mixture' of negative emotions involving internal criticism and external judgement, has been shown to impair patients' health outcomes. However, the specific factors underlying cognitive appraisals and their pathways remain unknown. DESIGN A cross-sectional design. METHODS The cross-sectional sample was from two stroke centres in China. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic data, stroke knowledge, coping traits, family functioning and stigma. Hierarchical regression models and the moderated parallel mediation model were constructed to analyse influencing pathways. The study adhered to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology guideline. RESULTS All 144 samples reported stigma symptoms with a moderate-to-high standardising score. The best hierarchical regression model explains 55.5% of the variance in stigma. The parallel mediation model indicated that negative and positive coping traits co-mediating the association of stroke knowledge and stigma. After adding the family functioning as a moderator, the moderated parallel mediation model was confirmed with adequate fit indices. CONCLUSION Among the cognitive appraisal factors affecting stroke-related stigma, stroke knowledge reduces stigma by modifying coping traits, while poor family functioning may serve as an opposing moderator. Notably, when family support is insufficient, enhanced stroke knowledge might paradoxically exacerbate the stigma. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study contributes knowledge on transforming health education and emphasises the pivotal roles of clinical nursing practitioners. In similar global contexts, the study highlights integrating health education, psychological counselling and family support to advance systematic nursing practices. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Yu Liu
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun-Hong Liu
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State key laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Li
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Song Deng
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Pei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hong Wan
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Li XH, Deng SY, Zhang TM, Wang YZ, Wong IYL, Ran MS. Medication non-adherence and its influencing factors in persons with schizophrenia in rural China. J Ment Health 2024; 33:40-47. [PMID: 36322512 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2140789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have been conducted to explore medication non-adherence in persons with schizophrenia (PWS) and its influencing factors in rural China. This study aimed to investigate the medication non-adherence and its influencing factors among PWS in rural China. METHODS A total of 269 PWS and their family caregivers in Xinjin district, Chengdu, China were investigated on medication adherence and related factors. Logistic regression was employed to identify the influencing factors. RESULTS The results showed that 37.6% of PWS had medication non-adherence. PWS living with family caregivers had significantly lower rate of medication non-adherence (34.7%) than those not living with family caregivers (60.0%) (p < 0.01). Family caregivers' affiliate stigma of mental illness, knowledge of mental illness and self-esteem were significantly related to patients' medication non-adherence (p < 0.05). PWS' employment status, living with family caregiver, present mental status and social support were significantly related to medication adherence. CONCLUSION This study shows medication non-adherence is severe among PWS in rural China. Both patient- and family-related factors affect patients' medication adherence seriously. Except improving patients' treatment and mental status, development of family caregiving, social support network and intervention on reducing stigma of mental illness should be crucial for enhancing PWS' medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Hong Li
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shu-Yu Deng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tian-Ming Zhang
- Department of Social Work, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Irene Yin Ling Wong
- School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mao-Sheng Ran
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Reinhardt A, Eitze S. Breaking the endometriosis silence: a social norm approach to reducing menstrual stigma and policy resistance among young adults. Psychol Health 2023:1-23. [PMID: 37921431 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2277838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a menstrual disorder that affects one in ten women. Diagnosis often takes several years due to low awareness and menstrual stigma. In this study, we employed a social norm approach (SNA) to investigate the effects of an educational leaflet on endometriosis knowledge, menstrual stigma, and acceptance of paid menstrual leave among women and men. METHODS The 3 × 2 online experiment tested the influence of either descriptive norm messages or both descriptive and injunctive norm messages (compared to a control group, factor 1) in an educational leaflet by taking the role of addressee's sex into account (quasi-experimental factor 2). The study included 796 German participants aged 16-35. RESULTS Men exhibited significantly poorer knowledge, stronger menstrual stigma, and weaker policy acceptance compared to women. No significant main effect of the social norm messages on menstrual stigma was found. In contrast, the combined norm messages seem to be beneficial when addressing policy acceptance. Moreover, compared to the control group, the intervention material indirectly influenced stigma and policy acceptance through increased knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Providing information about social norms appears to be an effective strategy for educating not only women but especially men about menstrual disorders like endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Reinhardt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Eitze
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Qiu L, Feng Y, Luo J, Zhang Y, Yang Q. Predictors of personal depression stigma in medical students in China: differences in male and female groups. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2093427. [PMID: 35747998 PMCID: PMC9245981 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2022.2093427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Depression is common worldwide, and stigmatizing attitudes toward depression have proved to be one of the major barriers to seeking professional help. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of personal depression stigma and identify its predictive factors among medical students in Hainan, China, as well as explore the gender difference. A total of 2,186 medical students were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling and interviewed by structured anonymous questionnaires. Personal stigma was measured by the standardized Depression Stigma Scale (DSS). Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictors of stigma, and the interactions between gender and each predictor were included to test its gender difference. The mean score on DSS Scale was 13.71 ± 5.35, with males significantly higher than females (14.85 vs 12.99, P < 0.0001). Compared to females, males were more likely to agree with 'I would not vote for a class cadre if I knew they had been depressed' and 'I would not make friends with him if I knew he had been depressed'. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that males' personal stigma was predicted by being only child (ß = 1.01, P = 0.0083), moderate-to-severe depression (ß = 1.12, P = 0.0302), and lower self-rated academic core competitiveness (Competitive: ß = 1.29, P = 0.0088, Not at all/Somewhat competitive: ß = 1.04, P = 0.0381), while females' personal stigma was only associated with moderate-to-severe depression (ß = 1.75, P < 0.0001). Significant interactions were found between gender and self-rated academic core competitiveness. Stigmatizing attitudes toward depression were prevalent among Chinese medical students, especially male students. Gender differences were found in the predictors of stigma. Effective measures must be taken to reduce the stigma of mental health among Chinese medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiu
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Yawen Feng
- School of Management, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Luo
- School of Management, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Yinuo Zhang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Qin Yang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, P. R. China
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Ran MS, Wang YZ, Lu PY, Weng X, Zhang TM, Deng SY, Li M, Luo W, Wong IYL, Yang LH, Thornicroft G, Lu L. Effectiveness of enhancing contact model on reducing stigma of mental illness among family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia in rural China: A cluster randomized controlled trial. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH - WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 22:100419. [PMID: 35257121 PMCID: PMC8897707 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Contact-based intervention has been documented and proved effective on reducing stigma of mental illness in high-income countries, but it is still unclear about the effectiveness of the contact-based intervention among family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia (FCPWS) in low- and middle-income countries including rural China. Methods We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in FCPWS in eight rural townships in Xinjin district of Chengdu city in Southwest China. The FCPWS in these townships were randomly allocated to the Enhancing Contact Model (ECM), Psychoeducational Family Intervention (PFI), or Treatment as Usual (TAU) group. FCPWS in three groups were provided specific interventions and follow-ups. By using a mixed-effect model, our goal was to examine the differences in affiliate self-stigma scale (ASSS) scores among three groups with the data collected at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 3-month (T2), and 9-month (T3) follow-up timepoints, respectively. This trial is registered with ChiCTR, number ChiCTR2000039133. Findings In April 2019, 253 FCPWS from 8 townships were randomly assigned to receive either ECM (cluster=3, n=90), PFI (cluster=2, n=81), or TAU (cluster=3, n=82). Compared with participants in the TAU group, participants in the ECM group had statistically significantly lower ASSS scores at 9-month follow-up (estimated parameter [EP]= -5.51, 95% CI -10.27 to -0.74, p=0.02). There were no statistically significantly different ASSS scores at 9-month follow up between ECM and PFI groups. Compared with participants in the PFI group, younger (<60 years old), with higher monthly income and other caregiver (e.g., parent, sibling, child) participants in the ECM group had statistically significantly lower ASSS scores in the 3-month follow-up (EP = -5.66, 95% CI -10.13 to -1.19, p<0.01; EP = -7.82, 95% CI -11.87 to -3.78, p<0.001; EP = -6.79, 95% CI -10.69 to -2.90, p<0.001, respectively). Interpretation This first trial in rural China shows that ECM intervention, a new anti-stigma intervention model, is a promising method for reducing affiliate stigma among FCPWS. The ECM intervention is more effective and stable than the PFI on reducing affiliate stigma among FCPWS. Further research needs to explore whether a long-term intervention could produce a more positive anti-stigma outcome trajectory. Funding General Research Fund, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong SAR (GRF, Grant No. 17605618, 2018-2021, PI: Dr. M.S. Ran).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Sheng Ran
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Corresponding author at: Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yi-Zhou Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei-Yi Lu
- Department of Political Science, Iowa State University, United States
| | - Xue Weng
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
| | - Tian-Ming Zhang
- Department of Social Work, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yu Deng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming Li
- Chengdu Xinjin Second People's Hospital, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Chengdu Xinjin Second People's Hospital, China
| | - Irene Yin-Ling Wong
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lawrence H. Yang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, United States
| | - Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Lin Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
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Ran MS, Peng MM, Yau YY, Zhang TM, Li XH, Wong IYL, Ng S, Thornicroft G, Chan CLW, Lu L. Knowledge, contact and stigma of mental illness: Comparing three stakeholder groups in Hong Kong. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:365-375. [PMID: 33622065 DOI: 10.1177/0020764021997479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unknown what the impacts of multiple dimensions of contact (e.g. level, quantity and quality) are on the stigma of mental illness. AIMS To explore the relationship between the multiple dimensions of contact and stigma of mental illness among family members (FM), mental health workers (MHW) and community residents (CR) in Hong Kong. METHODS The stigma, contact and knowledge were measured in FM, MHW and CR in Hong Kong. Multiple regression analyses were used. RESULTS MHW (n = 141) had higher knowledge, more contact and lower stigma of mental illness than CR (n = 95) or FM (n = 62). Knowledge and contact quality were significantly associated with lower stigma of mental illness in the three groups. However, contact level and contact quantity were not significantly associated with most stigma components. The contact level was positively associated with stigma of mental illness among FM and CR. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study highlight the differences in knowledge, contact and stigma of mental illness among different stakeholder groups. This study suggests that positive contact (e.g. equal, supportive, voluntary and pleasant contact) reduces stigma of mental illness, while negative contact (e.g. unfriendly, unsupportive, unpleasant contact) may increase stigma. The Enhancing Contact Model (ECM) should be tested in future anti-stigma interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Sheng Ran
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Man Peng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuen Yum Yau
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tian-Ming Zhang
- Department of Social Work, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Hong Li
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Irene Yin Ling Wong
- School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Siuman Ng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Cecilia Lai-Wan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
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