Exploring associative stigma among mental health professionals working within the local mental health services

Abstract

Background: Associative stigma or affiliate stigma refers to the discrimination towards mental health professionals for working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness. Aim: The aim of this research study was to explore associative stigma among mental health professionals namely doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists who work within the local mental health services. The research also aspired to investigate the influence of the socio-demographic variables age, gender, level of education, years of experience, profession and work setting on associative stigma. Design: A cross-sectional survey design with a total population sample was utilised in this study in order to answer the research question. All mental health professionals working within the local mental health services, both inpatient or outpatient were included in this study. 400 questionnaires were distributed and 279 were returned completed resulting in a response rate of 70%. Questionnaires were distributed and collected by the intermediary who was used in order to ensure confidentiality and anonymity of the participants. Methods: The Clinicians’ Associative Stigma Scale (CASS) was deemed to be the best tool to answer the research question. After permission from the author of the tool was obtained, data related to the socio-demographic variables were added. Once data was retrieved, it was transferred onto a password-protected computer and then inputted into SPSS. A descriptive data analysis of the findings was then conducted. Results: Participants report feeling stigmatised in line with the factors ‘Negative Stereotypes about professional effectiveness’, ‘Negative Stereotypes about people with mental illness’ and ‘Stereotypes about professionals’ mental health’. A sub-analysis was further conducted to identify the influence of the socio-demographic variables on the four factors of the CASS. Findings show that the variable ‘gender’ influenced associative stigma in terms of ‘Discomfort with Disclosure’ and ‘Negative Stereotypes about people with mental illness’. Statistical significance also emerged from the variable ‘profession’ across all the four factors. A Post-hoc analysis was then conducted to outline any between-group differences. Conclusion: Through the use of extensive literature as well as from the results of this study, it is evident that mental health professionals feel stigmatised for their work with people with mental illness. Participants in studies performed internationally show that mental health professionals remark feeling feelings of emotional exhaustion, anger, frustration and at times even burnout as a result of associative stigma.