Montana State University Stigma Case Study

Observation of Stigmas in Relation to Schizophrenia
Misty Ann Bird
Montana State University Billings
Abstract
This case study will be an examination of stigma in relation to schizophrenia. A comprehensive view of attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge will be analyzed in order to gain a perspective of the stigma associated with schizophrenia. The areas of focus will be perceptions, recognition, and increased knowledge of schizophrenia. Peer reviewed articles will be used to validate information and correlate on issues brought up in this case study. The paper is concluded by a discussion of the results of the writer’s survey, Schizophrenia Survey, and the information gathered through an interview with Joe Chalupa, the director the Mental
Health Center’s HUB.
Keywords: schizophrenia, stigma, attitudes, behaviors, knowledge
Observation of Stigmas in Relation to Schizophrenia
Introduction
Attitudes and behaviors are a result of the knowledge that people consume within their environments. Stereotyping creates discrimination, which results in damage. Societal stereotypes associated with a mental illness such as schizophrenia have created public stigma. Stigmatized attitudes about schizophrenia are commonly associated with negative labels. These aspects significantly touch on the biases centered on people who meet the criteria of schizophrenia. The information referenced within this document can be used to identify social stigma related to attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge associated with persons with schizophrenia.
Perceptions
Individuals use their perceptions to organize and interpret information. Understanding happens when people build connections with information that is familiar to them. As they become more knowledgeable in a subject, the awareness of factual inputs becomes clear. Perception is a process of knowing. Individuals know reality through seeing and interpretation. Knowledge is accumulated through socialization that creates growth and understanding.
Social perceptions are created by impressions and judgments of information and people through their ability to observe and understand existing information. Individuals use information to make conclusions based on the information they collect individually and in society. No perception is completely accurate and no one is immune from inheriting the biases of society, which causes inaccurate perceptions (Sue, 2010).
Misperceptions create stigma within societies. The impact of stigmatization attributes to increased discriminatory behavior and social distancing from people CITATION Mar00 \l 1033 (Martin, Pescosolidido, & Tuch, 2000). Stigmatization is obvious and direct, or subtle. Direct expressions have become less acceptable in society (Rusch, Corrigan, Tood, & Bodenhausen, 2011). When someone passes judgment based on a personal trait the result is stigma. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for people who have a mental health condition such as schizophrenia (Durand-Zaleski, Scott, Rouillion, & Leboyer, 2012).
Recognition
There is lack of public familiarity with schizophrenia. Societal attitudes generated about schizophrenia have concluded that it as the most recognizable and the least accepted disorder (Stuart & Arbolenda-Florez, 2001). Individuals with schizophrenia are commonly stereotyped as dangerous and violent, and suffering from multiple personalities. These stereotypical personality traits attached to the label of schizophrenia have been correlated with a negative effect on the emotional reactions of people with schizophrenia (Rusch, Corrigan, Tood, & Bodenhausen, 2011). As mentioned earlier stigmas are created through misperceptions.
Increased Knowledge Positive personal and social perceptions may benefit from fact-based knowledge CITATION Hol99 \l 1033 (Holmes, Williams, Canar, & Kubiak, 1999). In order to support a more positive understanding of schizophrenia the perceptions and inherited biases related to the inaccurate perceptions on schizophrenia needs examination. Becoming aware of negative attitudes influences the ability to create positive change. Once a person 's attitude begins to change, their behavior does the same thing. This chain reaction can be created through the effects of education. Knowledge becomes transparent with the reduction of bias judgments schizophrenia. Exposure to educational information on schizophrenia may challenge the stigma associated with inaccurate perceptions. Researchers have examined the effects of education on the attitudes about severe mental illnesses scuch as schizophrenia. They have concluded that education programs increase factual knowledge and may improve attitudes about mental illness CITATION Hol99 \l 1033 (Holmes, Williams, Canar, & Kubiak, 1999).
Schizophrenia Survey INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES: This survey is anonymous, please do not write your name or anything else that might link you to this survey. The purpose of this survey is to accumulate a broad understanding of public attitudes regarding schizophrenia.
1. How would you rate your knowledge of schizophrenia?
No prior knowledge Minimal knowledge Average Significantly knowledgeable Expert 2. How confident are you that people with this label have the ability to change?
Not confident at all Minimal confidence Average confidence Significantly confident Extremely confident 3. To what extent would you be comfortable with people diagnosed with schizophrenia living in your neighborhood?
Not comfortable at all Slightly comfortable Reasonably comfortable Moderately comfortable I would like them to live right next door to me 4. What do think the cause(s) of schizophrenia are?
Alcoholism and drugs
Genetic inheritance
A traumatic childhood experience
Life style choices
A combination of genetic and environmental factors
5. Please select your emotional reaction(s) to schizophrenia Anger
Fear
Disgust
Cheerfulness
Sadness Surprise
Apprehension
Pride
Relief Affection
Curiosity
I do not know
6. Do you believe people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia and receiving treatment can recover?
Yes
No
7. What are your thought and reactions to the usage of the term "schizophrenic" in our society?

8. Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia? If so, what is your relationship to the person who has been diagnosed? Spouse
Immediate family member
Friend
Caregiver Physician
Acquaintance
Other
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey!
Result
HYPOTHISIS:
Education and exposure to schizophrenia improves a person’s attitude on the disorder and those who are afflicted by it.
NULL HYPOTHOSIS:
Education and exposure to Schizophrenia does not improve a person’s attitude on the disorder and those who are afflicted by it.
OBJECTIVE:
I surveyed people in the helping professions attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge towards individuals with schizophrenia as part of my semester project on public awareness and attitudes towards schizophrenia. This study was conducted to establish the effects of knowledge and exposure on the stigma of Schizophrenia.
METHODS:
I conducted an anonymous survey with 20 respondents in the helping profession (aged 24 years or over) residing in Billings, Montana (100% response rate). Using the survey, information was collected on the knowledge level of schizophrenia, causes of schizophrenia, confidence in change and recovery, levels of social distance felt toward people with schizophrenia, emotional reactions to schizophrenia, thoughts about the use of the word usage schizophrenic, and relationships with people with schizophrenia
RESULTS:
All individuals had prior knowledge of schizophrenia. Of those individuals, 9 had average knowledge. A Peterson-Product measurement for correlation was measured between the self-proclaimed knowledge of schizophrenia, and well established causes for the disorder (a combination of genetic and environmental factors); with the results as tested being (t = 2.6349, df = 18, p-value = 0.01682) and a correlation measured as a positive correlation of (0.53; Graph A). This measurement was made to establish a relationship and add validity to the participant’s self-proclaimed knowledge of schizophrenia.
A measurement was also made of the emotions people had in relation to schizophrenia. The measurement was made by assigning a positive point (+1) for positive emotions , a negative point (-1) was given for a negative emotions, and a score of zero (0) was given in the case of the response “I don’t know ”. This was measured with a Peterson-Product correlation between the self-proclaimed knowledge of the survey participants in an attempt to offer, not a cause and effect relationship, but a relationship between a working knowledge of schizophrenia and a positive view of people with the disorder. This measurement resulted in a positive correlation as (t = 1.8259, df = 18, p-value = 0.08451); and a positive correlation score of (cor. 0.40; Graph B).
These measurements are offered to show a significant relationship between education and exposure to schizophrenia and holding a positive view of people with the disorder. One-half of the samples had known someone treated for schizophrenia or another mental illness. Of those able to identify a cause of schizophrenia (two-thirds), most identified a biological cause, usually a brain disease. Greater knowledge was associated with less-distancing attitudes.
Upon completion of the survey respondents were given a report from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) called Schizophrenia: Public Attitudes, Personal Needs CITATION Har08 \l 1033 (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2008).
Graph A
Graph B
Interview
The following interview is self-proclaimed knowledge from the director, Joe Chalupa, of the community-based program know as The HUB.. The interview is based on interactions and observation s of clients diagnosed with schizophrenia who participate at The HUB. The HUB is a drop-in center, which serves both homeless and the at-risk of becoming homeless population CITATION Gra12 \l 1033 (Graner, 2012).
Public Awareness, Attitudes, and Labels Towards Individuals with Schizophrenia
How relevant is schizophrenia in the population of the HUB/in your facility?
Very relevant, if I took an educated guess I would say 5% of the population has schizophrenia.
Do you believe that your employees and co-workers are knowledgeable about schizophrenia?
Yes, we have ongoing training, refreshers, and meetings. In the meetings, the supervisor is a well-educated therapist. If my employees or co-workers have any questions involving the nature of the patient’s they can contact case management and therapists can be reached at any time.
How comfortable do you think our community is with individuals diagnosed/show symptoms of schizophrenia?
Not at all, they are afraid of what they do not know. The stigma of awareness has gotten a little better but it is still poor.
In your experience, have you witnessed medication have (negative/positive) side effects that affect an individual’s ability to function?
I have.
Negative Side Effects= When physicians over medicate the clients and they become lethargic, I think sometimes they feel worse for getting help.
Positive Side Effects= With the right combination of medication, connections, and support individuals can function really well.
How likely do you think it is for someone diagnosed with schizophrenia to function in society?
It is very likely; they have great success with the right medication, supports, and models.
Do you believe there is support from families of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia?
Yes
Do you think that community education would improve individuals functioning ability?
Yes, if the community were more educated then they would be more apt to set up outlets for additional community support and education.
Are there educational or supportive programs for family members/community members that you can recommend or are aware of?
The support groups that I can think of off the top of my head are NAMI, Therapist Buddy with Families, Therapist support groups, and Forever Families.
The information gathered from my interview with Joe Chalupa complemented the information that I had requested in the Schizophrenic Survey. The interview provided me with a more personal perspective on public awareness, attitudes, and labels regarding individuals with schizophrenia.
Conclusion
Society’s perception of “normal” is influenced by their attitudes.
The factors that affect attitudes towards mental illness are information and beliefs CITATION Err13 \l 1033 (Erritty & Wydell, 2013). At times society’s view of normal can become distorted and as fictitious as folk-lore. Society has demonstrated the ability to overcome stigma with education and exposure. Historically societal change has been produced through over exposure and after public panics, for example, in instances such as AIDS and Autism. These disorders held long-established stigmas. When AIDS and Autism became over-exposed, society became educated. It is the writer 's opinion that the stigma of schizophrenia is slowly wearing off. In the course of time, exposure, and education, the stigma associated with schizophrenia will receive proper attention and people will recognize that it is a medical illness and treatment works.
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY \l 1033 Durand-Zaleski, I., Scott, J., Rouillion, F., & Leboyer, M. (2012). A national survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and autisum in France. BMC Psychiatry 2012, 12(1), 8. doi:doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-12-128
Erritty, P., & Wydell, T. N. (2013, January). Are Lay People Good at Recognizing the Symptoms of Scizophrenia? PLOS ONE, 8(1), 1-8. Retrieved from
www.plosone.org
Graner, C. (2012, October 26). Human Resource Assistant. (M. A. Bird, Interviewer)
Holmes, E. P., Williams, P., Canar, J., & Kubiak, M. A. (1999). Changing Attitudes About Scizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 25(3), 447-456.
Martin, J. K., Pescosolidido, B. A., & Tuch, S. A. (2000, June). Of Fear and Loathing: The Role of Disurbing Behavior, Labels, and Casual Attributions in Shaping Public Attitudes Towards People with Mental Illness. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 41, 208-223.
Mental Health Center. (2012, October 28). MHC Mental Health Center. Retrieved from www.mhcbillings.org: http://www.mhcbillings.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2008, June 10). Schizophrenia: Public Attitudes, Personal Needs. Retrieved from NAMI.org: http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/SchizophreniaSurvey/Summary_Schizophrenia_Survey_2008_NAMI_Harris_Interactive.htm
Rusch, N., Corrigan, P. W., Tood, A. R., & Bodenhausen, G. L. (2011, March). Automatic stereotyping against people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective and affective disorders. Psychiatry Res., 15. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2010.08.024.
Stuart, H., & Arbolenda-Florez, J. (2001). Community Attitudes Towards People With Schizophrenia. Can J Psychiatry, 46, 245-252.
Sue, D. W. (2010). Microgressions in Everyday Life Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons Inc.