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Published in: Community Mental Health Journal 3/2009

01-06-2009 | Original Paper

Gainful Employment Reduces Stigma Toward People Recovering from Schizophrenia

Authors: David V. Perkins, Joshua A. Raines, Molly K. Tschopp, Todd C. Warner

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 3/2009

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Abstract

Stigma impedes the social integration of persons recovering from psychiatric disability, especially those with criminal histories. Little is known about factors that lessen this stigma. Four hundred and four adults listened to one of four vignettes describing a 25-year-old male with schizophrenia and responded to a standard set of items measuring social distance. The individual who was gainfully employed (vs. unemployed), or who had a prior misdemeanor (vs. felony) criminal offense, elicited significantly less stigma. Employment may destigmatize a person coping with both psychiatric disability and a criminal record. Mental health services should encourage paid employment and other paths to community integration.
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Metadata
Title
Gainful Employment Reduces Stigma Toward People Recovering from Schizophrenia
Authors
David V. Perkins
Joshua A. Raines
Molly K. Tschopp
Todd C. Warner
Publication date
01-06-2009
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 3/2009
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9158-3

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