Predictors of stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental disorders in a general population in Finland.
BACKGROUND
For planning effective and well-targeted initiatives to reduce stigma, we need to identify which factors are associated with stigmatizing of people with mental disorders.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined how well a combination of variables predicts stigmatizing attitudes and discrimination in a general population.


METHODS
A survey questionnaire was sent to 10,000 persons aged 15-80 years residing in western Finland. Attitudes were measured using a scale consisting of negative stereotypes about people with depression and stereotypical beliefs connected with mental problems, while discrimination was measured by a social distance scale. Predictors included demographic variables, mental health resources, personal experience of depression or psychological distress, knowing someone who suffers from mental health problems, and negative stereotypical beliefs.


RESULTS
Although 86% of the population thought that depression is a real medical condition, the majority of respondents believed that people with depression are responsible for their illness. Social discrimination was significantly associated with respondents' age, gender, native language, sense of mastery, depression, stereotypical beliefs and familiarity with mental problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the need to address stigma is higher among men, older people and those without familiarity with mental problems. When planning interventions to shape stereotypes, the need for change is highest among those with a low sense of life control and poor social networks. Direct interactions with persons who have mental problems may change the stereotypical beliefs and discriminative behaviour of those who do not have familiarity with mental problems.
Aromaa
Esa
E
Vaasa Hospital District and National Institute for Health and Welfare, Psychiatric Unit of Vaasa Central Hospital, Sarjakatu 2, Vaasa, FI-65320, Finland. esa.aromaa@vshp.fi
Tolvanen
Asko
A
Tuulari
Jyrki
J
Wahlbeck
Kristian
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D012929:Psychological Distance; D011639:Public Opinion; D012737:Sex Factors; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult