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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 4/2010

01-04-2010 | Original Paper

Community conversation: addressing mental health stigma with ethnic minority communities

Authors: Lee Knifton, Mhairi Gervais, Karen Newbigging, Nuzhat Mirza, Neil Quinn, Neil Wilson, Evette Hunkins-Hutchison

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

Stigma associated with mental health problems is a significant public health issue. Patterns of stigma and discrimination vary between and within communities and are related to conceptualisations of, and beliefs about, mental health. Population approaches to addressing stigma rarely consider diverse cultural understandings of mental health.

Methods

257 members of the major black and minority ethnic communities in Scotland participated in 26 mental health awareness workshops that were designed and delivered by community organisations. Questionnaires measuring knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intent were completed before and after the intervention.

Results

Community led approaches that acknowledge cultural constructs of mental health were received positively by community groups. The study found significant reported stigma in relation to public protection, marriage, shame and contribution, but also high levels of recovery optimism. The workshops resulted in significant positive change in relation to knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intent amongst participants, with most aspects of stigma showing significant improvement, with the exception of dangerousness.

Discussion

The paper argues community approaches to tackling stigma are more valuable than top-down public education and could form the basis of national initiatives. Refinements to the evaluation framework are considered.
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Metadata
Title
Community conversation: addressing mental health stigma with ethnic minority communities
Authors
Lee Knifton
Mhairi Gervais
Karen Newbigging
Nuzhat Mirza
Neil Quinn
Neil Wilson
Evette Hunkins-Hutchison
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0095-4

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