Stigma

Stigma encompasses the negative attitudes and social disapprovals directed toward individuals or groups based on attributes considered negative in society. In psychology, stigma encompasses self-perception and influences behaviors and mental health outcomes on varying levels. It involves labeling, stereotyping, and discrimination, often leading to social exclusion and internalized shame. Stigma discouraging people with mental illnesses from seeking treatment, out of fear of judgment, is a prime example. Stigma can be public (held by society), self-stigma (internalized by the individual), or structural (embedded in institutions and policies). Stigma is associated with low self-esteem, dismal opportunities, and psychological distress. Contemporary psychological research is centered on the development of stigma, the sustenance of stigma through cultural norms, and the potential of various interventions such as education, contact, and advocacy to lessen stigma. The eradication of stigma is paramount to social inclusion and the preservation of mental health.