Experiences and effects of psychiatric stigma: Monologues of the stigmatizers and the stigmatized in an African setting.

Journal: International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

Volume: 10

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2016

Affiliated Institutions:  Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; cathycards@yahoo.com; egbe@ukzn.ac.za.

Abstract summary 

People with mental illness (PWMI) are faced with a number of social and health-related challenges especially stigma and discrimination which tend to have negative effects on their lives. This paper presents narrative monologues portraying the experiences and effects of psychiatric stigma and discrimination on PWMI in South Africa. These narratives voice out the concerns of the stigmatizers (specifically family members and significant others of PWMI) and the stigmatized in a poetic fashion. The society is still not very sympathetic to the plights of PWMI and this affects their general health and well-being. Traditional beliefs and prejudice still drive public attitude towards PWMI especially in African settings. These narratives presented in a poetic fashion in this paper highlight some salient issues relating to the experience and effects of stigma and the desires of PWMI to be treated with love and respect and helped to lead healthy normal lives.

Authors & Co-authors:  Egbe Catherine O CO

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Berg B. L, Lune H, Lune H. Qualitative research methods for the social sciences. Boston, MA: Pearson; 2004.
Authors :  1
Identifiers
Doi : 10.3402/qhw.v10.27954
SSN : 1748-2631
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adult
Other Terms
Stigma and discrimination;health and well-being;mental illness;service providers;service users;stigmatized;stigmatizer
Study Design
Narrative Study,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
United States