The aim of this dissertation is to clarify the process of stigma of mental illnesses and create awareness about it, as understanding the concept of stigma is a prerequisite to decide on strategies for its reduction. The findings of this study illustrate that stigma is impacted by the causal attribution of illness. Humans tend to make more stigmatizing judgments when an illness is a mental illness that is attributed to the mind compared to an illness that is physical and attributed to the body. Furthermore, this research found that mere information about mental illness issues is not a sufficient way to reduce stigma, which leads to the proposal of seminars and workshops within a managerial context to educate employees about stigma and reduce it.
The concept of mental health is not accepted universally in our society and, accordingly, does not enjoy the same attention as physical health. People suffering from a mental illness not only have to cope with their symptoms, they face prejudices, wrong stereotypes and stigma regularly. Hence, one intention should be to set an end to stigma, also within the working context. Especially during the Covid-19-pandemic, our health and the well-being of the people we care about is a matter of daily concern. The threat to our physical health is immense; nevertheless, due to lockdowns, minimization of social contacts and recommendations to stay home, we are further reminded that a good health itself is characterized not only by physical health, but also by our mental health.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Relevance for Research
- Aims and Scope
- I Definition of Mental Health and Illness
- II The Role of Society in Mental Illness Stigma
- III Impact of Mental illness Stigma at Work
- IV Models Explaining Stigma
- V Body and Mind Gap
- VI The Case of the COVID19- Pandemic and its Relation to Mental Health/Stigma
- VII Reduction of Stigma
- VIII Conclusion Based on Theory
- Methodology
- I Participants
- II Materials
- III Scales used within the Questionnaire
- Procedure
- Results
- Discussion
- I Summary of Key Findings
- II Interpretation of the Results
- III Most Relevant Findings and their Managerial Implications
- IV Potential Limitations
- V Future Research
- The pervasive nature of mental health stigma in society.
- The role of causal attribution in shaping stigmatizing judgments.
- The impact of mental health stigma on individuals in the workplace.
- The development of strategies for reducing stigma through education and awareness campaigns.
- The need for greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation aims to explore the concept of stigma surrounding mental illness and its impact within a managerial context. The study seeks to understand the mechanisms behind this stigma and identify potential strategies for reducing it.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The dissertation begins by defining mental health and illness, exploring the role of societal attitudes in perpetuating stigma. It then delves into the specific impact of stigma within the workplace, examining models explaining stigma and the "body and mind gap" that often influences how mental illness is perceived. The dissertation further examines the case of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding. The study then explores strategies for reducing stigma, primarily through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns. The methodological approach, including participant recruitment, materials, and procedures, is outlined, followed by an in-depth analysis of the research findings. The conclusion summarizes key findings and discusses their managerial implications, including potential limitations and future research directions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Mental Health, Mental Illness Stigma, Stigma, Stigma in a managerial context, Trait attribution, Strategies to end stigma.
- Quote paper
- Nadja Büngers (Author), 2021, Stigmatization of Mental Health in a Managerial Environment. Statistical Analysis and Evaluation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1358837