Lecture on Social Stigma

Introduction to Stigma

• Stigma: Extreme disapproval and discrediting of an individual by society.
• Two forms of stigma:
  • Social Stigma
  • Self Stigma

Social Stigma

• Associated with stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination.
• Commonly seen with:
  • Medical or mental health conditions
  • Sexual orientation
  • Criminality
• Example: Stigma against mental health, where mentally ill are stereotyped as violent.
  • Stereotype: Generalized belief (e.g., belief that mentally ill are violent).
  • Prejudice: Negative affect or emotion associated with the stereotype (e.g., fear of mentally ill).
  • Discrimination: Behavior change due to stereotypes and prejudices (e.g., avoiding employing mentally ill).
• Variability by sociopolitical context.

Self Stigma

• Internalization of negative stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination.
  • Leads to feelings of societal rejection.
  • May cause avoidance, denial, and self-isolation.
  • Example: Individual with HIV or AIDS denying their condition.
• Impact on self-esteem and mental health.

Concentric Circles of Stigma

1. Self: Individual who is stigmatized.
2. Family: Close social group.
3. Society: Wider society.
4. Media: External influential factors.

• Bi-directional relationships between all these groups.

Influence of Media

• Major source of stigma.
• Depictions of conditions as violent or morally failing (e.g., mental illness, HIV/AIDS, obesity, substance use).
• Intervention: Develop guidelines for responsible journalism and social media use.

Role of Society

• Interactions involving education, employment, healthcare.
• Stigmatizing views hinder access to income and health services.
• Intervention: Legislation and anti-discrimination laws.

Impact on Family

• Family can be shunned by society or shun the individual.
• Isolation of family members with stigmatizing conditions.
• Intervention: Therapy and education for family support.

Core Individual Impact

• Internalization of stigma from media, society, and family.
• Leads to avoidance, denial, mental health issues, societal non-participation.
• Intervention: Education, resources, and support groups for individuals.

Conclusion

• Stigma affects individuals and their interactions with family, society, and media.
• Importance of interventions at all levels to mitigate stigma and support affected individuals.
• Encouragement for education and access to resources to combat self-stigma.