title: Depression self-stigma: a new measure and preliminary findings.
abstract: It is widely recognized that stigmatization of mental disorders leads stigmatized individuals to avoid treatment altogether or discontinue treatment prematurely. Literature suggests that the impact of stigma may differ by diagnosis; however, previous attempts to measure self-stigma have not been disorder specific. This study sought to develop the Depression Self-Stigma Scale (DSSS) and identify distinct constructs associated with depression self-stigma. Items for the initial administration of the DSSS were developed through careful review of existing measures and the literature on stigma and depression. Items were administered to undergraduates and community members with self-reported depression (N = 391). Results indicated 5 factors (general self-stigma, secrecy, public stigma, treatment stigma, and stigmatizing experiences) with good factor structure, internal consistency, and evidence for construct validity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, USA. jkanter@uwm.edu
authors.forename: Jonathan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kanter
authors.forename: Laura C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Rusch
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brondino
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011287:Prejudice; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011613:Psychotherapy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents