Public Conceptions of Mental Illness: Labels, Causes, Dangerousness, and Social Distance.

Authors

Link, B.G., Phelan, J.C., Bresnahan, M., Stueve, A., Pescosolido, B.A.

Source

American Journal of Public Health 89(9): 1328-1333, 1999. (Journal Article: 6 pages)

Abstract

The authors used a nation-wide survey data to characterize current public conceptions related to recognition of mental illness and perceived causes, dangerousness, and desired social distance. Data were derived from a vignette experiment. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of five vignette conditions. Four described psychiatric disorders meeting diagnostic criteria, and the fifth depicted a “troubled person” with subclinical problems and worries. Results indicate that the majority of the public identifies schizophrenia and major depression as mental illnesses and that most report multicausal explanations combining stressful circumstances with biologic and genetic factors. Results also show, however, that smaller proportions associate alcohol and drug abuse with mental illness and that symptoms of mental illness remain strongly with public fears about potential violence and with a desire for limited social interaction. The authors conclude that while there is reason for optimism in the public’s recognition of mental illness and causal attributions, a strong stereotype of dangerousness and desire for social distance persist. These latter conditions are likely to negatively affect people with mental illness (authors).