On Stigma and Its Consequences
Transcription
On Stigma and Its Consequences
On Stigma and Its Consequences: Evidence from a Longitudinal Study of Men with Dual Diagnoses of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Author(s): Bruce G. Link, Elmer L. Struening, Michael Rahav, Jo C. Phelan and Larry Nuttbrock Source: Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Vol. 38, No. 2 (Jun., 1997), pp. 177-190 Published by: American Sociological Association Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2955424 . Accessed: 16/05/2014 16:52 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. . American Sociological Association is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Journal of Health and Social Behavior. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions On Stigmaand Its Consequences:Evidencefroma Longitudinal StudyofMen withDual DiagnosesofMental Illnessand SubstanceAbuse* BRUCE G. LINK ELMER L. STRUENING ColumbiaUniversity and New YorkStatePsychiatric Institute MICHAEL RAHAV ArgusCommunity JOC. PHELAN University ofCaliforniaat Los Angeles LARRY NUTTBROCK ArgusCommunity Journal ofHealthand Social Behavior1997,Vol. 38 (June):177-190 Numerous studieshavedemonstrated a strongconnection betweentheexperience of Butin thearea ofmentalillnessthere stigmaand thewell-being ofthestigmatized. has beencontroversy themagnitude anddurationoftheeffects surrounding oflabelthathas been used to downplaytheimporingand stigma.One of thearguments tanceof thesefactorsis thesubstantialbodyof evidencesuggesting thatlabeling leads topositiveeffects mentalhealthtreatment. through However,as Rosenfield inducebothpositiveconsequences (1997) pointsout,labelingcan simultaneously treatment and negativeconsequencesthrough through stigma.In thisstudywe test on well-being whether 84 menwithdual stigmahas enduring effects byinterviewing diagnosesof mentaldisorderand substanceabuse at twopointsin time-at entry intotreatment, whentheywereaddictedto drugsand had manypsychiatric symptomsand thenagain aftera yearoftreatment, whentheywerefar less symptomatic and largelydrug-and alcohol-free. Wefounda relatively strongand enduring effect Thisfindingindicatesthatstigmacontinuesto complicate ofstigmaon well-being. thelivesof thestigmatized evenas treatment andfuncimprovestheirsymptoms wanttomaximize thewell-being tioning. Itfollowsthatifhealthprofessionals ofthe inits people theytreat,theymustaddressstigmaas a separateand importantfactor ownright. Recentresearchhas demonstrated a strong (Harris et al. 1992; Sibickyand Dovidio), connection betweentheexperienceof stigma social networks (Lennonet al. 1989; Link et ofthestigmatized. Numer- al. 1989),employment andthewell-being (Farinaet opportunities ous naturalistic and experimental studieshave al. 1971; Link 1982, 1987), self-esteem, shownthatstigmaaffectssocial interactions depression(Link 1987),and qualityof lifein Stigmahas forthcoming). general(Rosenfield, with lives of people to affect the been shown * This research was supportedby award al. 1989); people illnesses (Link et mental DA-06968-93fromtheNationalInstitute of Drug Abuse.We thankAnnStueveandthreeanonymous experiencing pain (Lennonet al. unexplained reviewersforhelpfulcomments.Addresscorres- 1989; Marbachet al. 1990); gay men(Meyer pondence to: Bruce G. Link, Epidemiologyof 1995); people withpsoriasis(Ginzburgand MentalDisorders,100 Haven Avenue,Apartment 31D, New York,NY 10032; e-mail:bgl1 colum- Link1993);andpeoplewhoareobese(Dejong studieshavemanipulated 1980).Experimental bia.edu. 177 This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 178 JOURNALOF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR the applicationof labels like homosexuality ative StudyGroup 1991), and majordepresandmentalillnesstoproduceeffects on social sion(Prienet al. 1984). interaction even forpeople who have never Considering theweightoftheevidencejust been taggedwiththesedesignationsoutside reported, itis easyto assumethatanycounterthe experimental context(Farina,Allen,and vailingnegativeeffects of stigmamustbe relSaul 1968; SibickyandDovidio 1986). atively trivial in comparison.Surely, any by theposiNevertheless, some influential researchers effectsof stigmaare outweighed believe the effectsof stigmaare small and tive benefitsof treatment,which are so transitory. For example,Gove claimsthatfor impressiveand extensive.Also, given the the "vast majorityof mentalpatientsstigma emphasisin Scheffs (1966) theoryon the consequencesofcontactwithtreatappearsto be transitory anddoes notappearto deleterious pose a severeproblem"(1982:290).One ofthe mentsystems("agentsof control")theaccutreatment effecused to supportthisclaim and to mulatingevidenceregarding arguments of labelingand stig- tivenessseemsto provehimwrongand some downplaytheimportance ma is the substantial body of evidencecon- mayconclude"all wrong."However,a study questionssuch cerningthe effectiveness of mentalhealth by Rosenfield(forthcoming) theimportance by demonstrating treatments (Gove 1980). In Scheffs (1966) assumptions originalstatement aboutthelabelingperspec- of stigmaevenwithinthecontextof an effecprogram.In a cross-sectional tive,he arguedthattheconsequencesoftreat- tive treatment thatbothservices(access to she shows study, mentwereprimarily negative,due to stigma and stigma (Link's specific interventions) andto thedehumanizing ofpsychiatric effects 1987 measure of perceived devaluationand hospitals(Goffman1961). However, since are related-in discrimination) oppositedirecs Scheff writings, a substantialand growing of the"quality bodyof evidencehas emergeddemonstratingtions-to multipledimensions of life" of a (Lehman 1983) people attending the positivebenefitsof mentalhealthtreatmodel clubhouse program. Services have posments.Bothpsychosocialand pharmacologiin curbingthe itiveeffectson dimensionsof qualityof life cal interventions are effective suchas livingarrangements, familyrelations, symptoms of,andpreventing relapsein,many financialsituation,safety,and health,while typesof mentaldisorder.For example,metastigmahas equallystrongnegativeeffectson analysesof psychotherapy outcomeresearch suchdimensions. have demonstrated positive effectsacross of suchdual and opposite The significance types of therapiesand types of outcomes processesof stigmaand treatment benefitsis (Smith,Glass,and Miller1980). Morerecent heightenedby an importantqualification meta-analyses focusingon specificconditions regardingthe impactof mentalhealthinterlike depression (Robinson, Berman, and ventions.While it is an incontrovertible fact Neimeyer 1990) and obsessive-compulsivethatinterventions canproducepositiveeffects, et al. 1987) have also it is also truethattheeffectstendto be reladisorder(Christensen in reporting beenconsistent of tivelyshort-lived-that positiveeffects with time treatment psychotherapy. Takinga different approach,a benefitsevaporate.Thus,forexample,Smith large-scalemultisiteclinical trialevaluating and colleagues(1980) in a forcefully positive the effectsof two highlystandardized psy- assessmentof the benefitsof psychotherapy treatment chotherapy protocolsshowed evi- acknowledgethat"thebenefits ofpsychotherdenceofpositiveeffectsformajordepression apy are notpermanent, butthenlittleis" (p. (Elkinet al. 1989). Even fora severedisorder 183). In otherarenas,researchers the identify research has shownthat need for "booster"sessions and "maintensuchas schizophrenia, have ance" doses to extendthe benefitsof psymultipleand singlefamilyinterventions effects(McFarlaneet al. chotherapeutic positivetreatment and pharmacological interven1995). Concerningpharmacologicaltreat- tions,respectively (Kupfer,Frank,and Perel from 1989; Kupfer,Frank,and Perel 1989). Such setof findings ments,an ever-expanding double-blindcontrolledtrials have demon- efforts speakmoreto theelusivenessof longforsuchcondi- termbenefits strated treatment effectiveness meansofensurthanto effective tionsas schizophrenia (Kane 1989), bipolar ing thattheyare achieved.This set of facts disorder (Prienetal. 1984),obsessive-compul-leaves open thepossibilitythatother,as yet sive disorder(The ClomipramineCollabor- unidentified processesoperatesimultaneously This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions ON STIGMA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES 179 to offsetand ultimately erodetreatment bene- behavioralsequelaeofsuchcognitive processfits.Stigmatization is an obviouspossibility es in whichstigmatizers rejectthestigmatized along these lines because, as Rosenfield or the stigmatizedengage in "secondary (forthcoming) pointsout,officiallabelingcan deviance,"suchas secrecyorwithdrawal, as a simultaneouslylead to positive treatment means of "defense,attack,or adaptation" effects andnegativestigmaeffects. (Lemert1967). Pursuingthis possibility,and in keeping Usingthisdefinition of thecorefeatures of with Rosenfield's integrationand partial stigma,we nextdrawupon and expandthe accommodationof the so-called psychiatric ideas of Linkand colleagues(1989) aboutthe andlabelingperspectives, thispaperexamines processby whichstigmacomes to influence whetheraspects of stigma have enduring peoplemarkedwithundesirable labels.In this inthecontextofa longitudinal thereare essentially threecompoeffects studyof framework, menenrolledin one of twoprograms process:(1) culturthatare nentsofthestigmatization designedto treatpeopleduallydiagnosedwith ally induced expectationsof rejection,(2) mentaldisorder andsubstanceabuse.Research experiences ofrejection, and(3) efforts atcopontheeffectiveness oftreatment wouldleadus ingwithstigma. to believe that these men will experience Accordingto Link and colleagues(1989), improvements in theirpsychiatric inducedexpectations symptoms culturally emergein the andsubstanceabuseat leastovertheshortrun. followingmanner.In thecourseof socializaBelow, we outlineour conceptualization of tion,people developa conceptionof whatit ill person as a mentally the stigmaprocess and considerhow this meansto be identified process mightproduce negative outcomes ora personaddictedto drugs.Theyhaveideas even withinthe contextof improvements in about whethermostpeople will rejectsuch individuals as employees, and intineighbors, symptomatology. mates,or whethertheywill devalue them, trustbelievingthemto be less intelligent, CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE STIGMA worthy, and competent. These beliefsare of PROCESS littlerelevanceto theway in whichmostpeople conducttheiraffairs.For example,such Ourconceptualization ofthestigmaprocess beliefsdo not affectthe searchfora job or startswithJonesand co-workers' with a new acquain(1984) two- influenceinteractions of stigmaas a "mark"that(1) tance. However, when someone becomes partdefinition sets a personapartfromothersand (2) links labeled as havinga mentalillness or being themarkedpersonto undesirablecharacteris- addictedto drugs,beliefsabout how others tics.Whenthepersonis linkedto undesirable will treatsuch a persontake on heightened a thirdaspectof stigmacomes importance-theybecome personallyrelecharacteristics, intoplay-rejectionand isolationof thestig- vant.If one believesthatotherswill devalue matizedperson.Stigmais therefore of and rejectmentalpatients, a matter one mustnow fear degree,as themarkor label can varyin the that this rejectionapplies personally.The extentto which it sets a personapart;the newly labeled person may wonder,"Will markedperson can be stronglyor weakly othersthinklessofme,rejectme,becausenow linkedto a varietyof undesirable characteris- I am a personidentified as havinga mentalilltics;andtherejecting responsecan be moreor ness (or being addictedto drugs)?"In this less strenuous. Withrespectto mentalillness, way, labelingtriggers powerfulexpectations a clearexampleofstigmawouldexistifa per- ofrejectionthatin turnerodeconfidence, disson were hospitalizedfor mentalillness (a ruptsocial interaction, and impairsocial and markor label) andthenassumedto be so dan- occupationalfunctioning. that and untrustworthy Whena personbecomesnegatively gerous,incompetent, labeled, of rejectionbecome avoidanceandsocialisolationensue.Thus,the notonlydo expectations conceptofstigmaas we defineitincludesboth activated,but actualexperiencesof rejection cognitive and behavioral components.It occur as well (Link and Cullen 1983, 1990; includescognitiveprocessesin whichpeople Linket al. 1987). These experiences of rejecofourconceptual-stigmatizersor thestigmatized-uselabels tion,thesecondcomponent to inferthata markedpersonpossessesunde- ization,rangefrommajorexclusionsto "putsirable characteristics. It also includes the downs"and slights.Forexample,Page (1977) This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 180 JOURNALOF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR which theprocessthrough demonstratedan enormous helpsus understand experimentally withregardtotherenting stigmamayhave harmful effect effectson people's discrimination may Landlordsweremuchless like- lives and thewaysin whichsucheffects ofapartments. was available endureevenwhentheperson'sdeviantbehavly to indicatethatan apartment as a former iorsubsides.Thisconceptualschemehasguid(27%) if a callerwas identified mentalhospitalpatientthanif he or she was ed previousresearchdemonstrating thedeleteand rious consequencesof stigmaand strategies (83%). Painfulput-downs notso identified slights were documented in Rosenhan's forcopingwithit(Link1987;Linketal. 1989, psychi- 1991). The purposeof thepresentpaperis to (1973) studyin whichpeoplewithout atricdisordersposed as patientsand entered determinewhetherthereare any enduring psychiatric hospitals.The studydocumented effectsof stigmaeven whentreatment effeclegiti- tivelyreducessubstanceabuse and symptoms manyways in whichpseudo-patients' materequestsweredismissedandtheirnormal ofmentalillness.Ifwe findevidenceforsuch as evidenceof psycho- enduring behaviorinterpreted in we will seekto determine effects, pathology. identifuture studieswhichofthemechanisms of fied above appearto be most important Bothexpectations andactualexperiences for rejectionare likelyto lead peoplewithmental whichoutcomes. illnessor drugor alcohol problemsto seek ofrejection. We waysofcopingwiththethreat considertwo such responses.In the first- RESEARCH STRATEGY secrecy-clientsmaychoose to concealtheir or fromemployers, relatives, treatment history To testthe idea thatstigmahas enduring potentiallovers to avoid rejection (Link, consequencesevenwhentreatment effectively and Cullen1991). In thesecond- reduces substanceabuse and symptomsof Mirotznik, limitinteraction to avoid mentalillness,we examinedmen withdual withdrawal-clients the possibilityof rejection(Link,Mirotznik, diagnosesof severementalillnessand drug/ and Cullen 1991). When clientsadopt this alcoholabusewhowereenrolledinmodelprofromtherejection gramsdesignedto treattheseconditions. response,theyareprotected We thatmightensueif theyventured out to seek interviewed thesemenat entryintotreatment, friends, jobs, and thelike in thewidersocial whentheywereaddictedto drugsand highly environment. and thenagain aftera yearof symptomatic, it treatment, conceptualization, Based on theforegoing when theywere far less symptois possible to identifyseveral mechanisms maticand largelydrug-andalcohol-free. throughwhich stigma may have enduring Our studyincludesmeasuresthatoperaeffectson people's lives even if theirsymp- tionalizeour major independent variableof tomsor otherformsof deviantbehaviorsub- stigmaas well as severalimportant control side.First,oncelabeled,itis possiblethatothvariablesthatmeasuresubstanceabuse,social ers maycontinueto rejectthelabeledperson ofpsychiandseveraldimensions functioning, even when symptomsimprove.Second, the Whilethereare several atricsymptomatology. traumaofpastrejection maycontinuetohaunt of livesthatmightbe usedto the stigmatized personand therebyproduce aspects people's of the effects assess stigma,we have chosen life. negativeoutcomesin his or her current as measuredby the symptoms, depressive Third,stigmamay have harmfuleffectsnot StudiesDepresCenter for Epidemiological directrejection byothersbutalso onlythrough variable. of rejection sionscale (CES-D), as ourdependent via the internalized expectations variable because both We chose this outcome on thepartoflabeledpersons,whichmayconits and research suggest plauempirical theory tinueto operateevenifrejection byothersdis(Link or expecta- sibilityas a responseto stigmatization sipates.Fourth,eitherexperiences tionsof rejectionmay cause people to adopt 1987). Moreover,in thisstudydesign,where fora fullyear,other such as withdrawalor menremainin treatment coping orientations or socialsupport like earned income outcomes secrecythatmay lead to isolationand other are not as releharmfulconsequences.Thus it is networks(outsidetreatment) potentially tochangewhile theoretically possibleforstigmatohaveharm- vantbecausetheyareunlikely context. fulandenduring effects severalmech- themenare in thetreatment through above, our anisms. Using the measuresidentified We have outlineda conceptualschemethat longitudinaldesign allows us to determine This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 181 ON STIGMA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES whetherstigmahas enduringeffectsover a characteristics of thesemen are describedin one-year period.The longitudinal aspectofthe greaterdetailin a previouspaper(Rahav and designhelpsus go beyondwhatcan be deter- Link 1995). minedfromcross-sectional designsby allowAlthoughour hypothesis is statedwithout ingus to testwhether theeffects ofstigmacan regardto specifictreatment contexts, itis posbe accountedforby eitherbaselinemeasures sible that the type of treatment influences of psychiatric symptoms and social function- whetherthe effectsof stigmaendureor not. ing,or by changesin such factorsover the For thisreason,we examinedthepossibility one-year period.In thisway,ourdesignallows that our findingsmightvary accordingto us to assess whetherstigma continuesto whether clientswereenrolledin a therapeutic impingeon thelives of themenwe studyor community ora community residence.Results whetherthe effectsof stigmaare small and of theseanalysesare reported in thetextor in in theirlives. transitory footnotesfollowing analyses of the full sample. METHODS Sample Measures StigmaVariables.Our conceptualization of In 1990,a majorinitiative was launchedto thestigmaprocessincludesthreecomponents: provideand evaluatetreatment of mentally ill culturallyinducedbeliefsabout devaluation chemicalabusers(MICAs) in New YorkCity and discrimination, experiencesof rejection, (Rahavetal. 1995).Clientswitha majormen- and ways of coping with stigmatization. tal disorderand a historyof substanceabuse Devaluation/discrimination is operationalized wererecruited fromhospitals,clinics,shelters in thisstudyusinga modification of Link's forthehomeless,thecriminal justicesystem, (1987) measure.Respondentswere asked to and otheragenciesin contactwithMICAs in indicatethe extentto whichtheyagreewith the New York City area. Inclusioncriteria statements like"Mostpeoplebelievethatforweremalegender,21 yearsof age or older,a mer mentalpatientscannotbe trusted"and majorDSM-III-R Axis I disorder, at leasttwo "Most employerswill nothirea personwho psychiatric and a confirmed has been hospitalizedfor mental illness." hospitalizations, of abusingalcoholand/orotherdrugs. Response categoriesare "stronglyagree," history Referralsmeetingthese criteriawere eval- "agree,""disagree,"and"stronglydisagree." uatedon a battery of psychiatric instruments,Becausethissampleincludespeoplewithdual assignedto a residential treatment facility par- diagnoses of mental illness and substance ticipatingin the study(eithera therapeutic abuse, the modifiedversionincludesitems or a community community residence),'and referring to drugabuse as well. The 15-item reassessedafterone yearwithregardto psy- versionwe use in this study(alpha = .78) chiatricstatusand substanceuse. includessevenitemsthatfocuson drugabuse Thepresentanalysisis basedon the84 men andeightfocusedon mentalpatientstatus(see who completedone yearof treatment in their Appendixforitemwording). assignedprogram(48 in thetherapeutic comWe operationalizedrejectionexperiences munityand 36 in thecommunity residence). usinga 12-itemscale (alpha = .80) thatonce Sixty-three percentof themenin thesample againincludesquestionsregarding drugaddicare AfricanAmerican,23 percentare His- tion(six items)and mentalpatientstatus(six panic,withtheremaining 14 percentWhiteor items).Itemcontent focuseson beingavoided, other.The meanage was 34, and theaverage being treateddifferently, havingpeople feel educationalattainment was slightlyless than uncomfortable aroundtherespondent, ordrop11 years.Mostofthemen(58%) had a DSM- pingtherespondent as a friend. All itemswere III-R chartdiagnosisof nonaffective psychot- askedina yes/no format andsummedtocreate ic disorder(mainlyschizophrenia). An addi- the scale of rejection experiences (see tional14 percenthad a diagnosisof a major Appendixfor item wording).Some of the mood disorder(mainlybipolardisorderand itemsin thisscale ask whether therespondent major depression)while the remainderhad "ever" experiencedthe formof rejection. otherdiagnoses.The social and psychiatric Wordedin thisway we would not expecta This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 182 JOURNALOF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR to as "positive declinein meanlevelsof rejectionovertime. it manytraitsoftenreferred effectiveness, social as such health," Whatis at issuewithregardto thismeasureis mental 71 to 80 from Scores integrity. and warmth, symptoms depressive on whetherits effects or withno symptomatology declineover timeas one mightexpectif the areforindividuals Scores from31 to 70 of past rejectionfadedwithtime onlyminorsymptoms. importance be appliedto subjectsin need wouldgenerally improvement. and symptom services. Scores psychiatric outpatient coping of two formsof We operationalized care who need inpatient those for are 30 below assessed The first-secrecy-is withstigma. withan 8-itemscale (alpha= .72). The content and supervision. RatingScale (BPRS) The BriefPsychiatric of the itemsfocuses on hidingor keeping of drugaddictionor treatment(Overall and Gorham1962) is a semi-strucsecreta history assessmentof psychiatric formentalillness.The secondformof coping turedinterviewer both client reportsand on based 4-item status a using assessed -withdrawal-is scale (alpha = .78). These itemsmeasurethe observeddemeanorduringthe interview.In by a tendencyto refrainfromapplyingfora job thisstudy,the BPRS was administered who was also duetoaddic- clinicallytrainedpsychologist becauseitmightinducerejection trainedin theuse oftheBPRS. Responsesare tionor mentalillness.2 sympDepressive Symptoms.Depressive symp- elicitedwithregardto ninepsychiatric toms are operationalizedusing the CES-D tomssuchas anxiety("Duringthepastweek and halluciscale (Radloff1977). This is a highlyreliable have you felttenseor uptight?") 20-item measure of depressive symptoms nations("Duringthepastweek,did you hear duringthepastweek(alphainthis thingsthatotherpeople couldn'thearor see, experienced sample = .87). Typical itemsreferto self- suchas noisesor voicesofpeoplewhispering reportedmood (e.g., "Did you feel de- or talking?").Nine aspectsof demeanorare (defiwithdrawal pressed?"),energylevel (e.g., "Did you feel evaluated,suchas emotional motor and ciencyin relatingto the interviewer), you did was an effort?"), thateverything and (obviouslyslow movements), (e.g., "Did you feel thatyou retardation self-evaluation to person, (lack of orientation werejustas goodas otherpeople?").Response disorientation categoriesrangefrom"rarelyor none of the place, or time).All itemsof the BPRS are time"(coded 0) to "mostor all of thetime" coded from1 (notobserved)to 7 (extremely ofill(coded3) duringthepriorweek.Withall items severe).A finalitem,theoverallseverity the (among to 7 1 (normal) from ranges depression, ness, reflect scores codedso thathigher range mostseverelyill). Scoreson the 19 itemsare the summedscoreshave a theoretical rating. summedto forman overallpsychiatric from0 to 60. Other Aspects of PsychiatricCondition. Psychoticideationis a 10-itemscale (alphain hal- RESULTS experienced thissample= .92) ofrecently lucinationsand delusionsthatwas adapted and DrugAbuse inPsychiatric froma 13-itemscale developedby Dohren- Improvement wendand colleagues(1980). It was designed Status peoplelikelyto scale to identify as a screening indicatesthatstigBecause ourhypothesis bipolardisbe diagnosedwithschizophrenia, thatcoexistwith effects psychotic mawillhaveenduring involving disorders order,and~other success,we beginour evidenceof treatment symptoms. thatthemenin these The Global Assessmentof Functioning inquiryby documenting in factimprovesubdo programs treatment ratingofoverall (GAF) scale is an interviewer shows means, standard 1 Table stantially. widely has been which disturbance psychiatric research(Endicottet al. deviations,and paired t-testsfor several used in psychiatric As thetable thescale rangesfrom1, dimensionsof psychopathology. 1976). Theoretically, fora year in treatment remain sickestpossibleindividual, shows,menwho thehypothetically in psychiimprovements dramatic experience The scale healthiest. to 100,thehypothetically low of a from range Changes atric symptoms. beginning intervals, 10 equal into divided is of a standarddeviationuniton the with 1-10 and endingwith91-100. Scores two-thirds whoarenotonly baselineCES-D scale to morethantwo stanabove 80 areforrespondents butexhib- darddeviationunitson theGAF scale. Recent symptomatology, freeofsignificant This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 183 ON STIGMA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES substanceabuse (alcoholor drugabuse in the nothire(72%), and mostyoungwomenwill past six months)is veryrareat follow-upin not marry(62%) someonewho has abused thesepreviously addictedmenwhether abuse drugs.Withrespecttohospitalization formenis assessedvia self-report (10.7%) or byurine tal illness,a similarpercentagreethatpeople tests(11%). Although recentabuseis higherin are rejecting(look downon, 69%; employers the community residenceprogram(19.4%) refuseto hire,50%; refuseto marry,56%). thanin thetherapeutic community (4.2%) itis The mean (2.72) forthe perceiveddevaluaclearlydramatically reducedin bothcontexts, tion/discrimination measureis significantly (p sinceat baselineall themenhadbeenabusing <.001) higherthanthescale's midpoint of2.5, eitheralcohol or drugs.Whenwe examined indicating thatrespondents generallyendorse changesin psychiatric symptoms by typeof the belief thatdually diagnosedclientsare treatment we foundsignificant improvementdevaluedand discriminated against. withineach treatment modalityforpsychotic Clients also reportedhavingexperienced theBPRS, andtheGAF scale. The rejectionassociated with drug abuse and symptoms, resultsalso showedthattheCES-D declined mentalillness.Withrespectto drugabuse,6 less in thecommunity residenceprogram than percentreported havingbeen deniedmedical in thetherapeutic community program, a fact treatment, 16 percentreportedhavingbeen thatled us to includea dummyvariableto deniedan apartment, and 24 percentreported reflect treatmentmodality in subsequent beingpaidlowerwagesbecauseofa history of analyses. drugabuse. Withrespectto havingbeen in a While it is impossibleto determinehow mentalhospital,6 percentreported havinglost much of this improvementin psychiatric a job and 10 percentreported beingdeniedan and substanceabuseis due to treat- apartment symptoms or a roomto live in. More clients mentand how much is due to spontaneous endorseditemsreflecting less severeformsof remission, it is neverthelessclear that rejection, suchas beingavoided(37%) orhavimprovement has occurred.It is therefore ing a historyof psychiatrichospitalization possibleto ask whetherstigmahas enduring used to hurtone's feelings(45%). Veryfew effectsin thecontextof dramaticchangesin clientsreported no incidents ofrejectionat all and substanceabuse sta- (6%), and over 70 percentreportedfouror condition psychiatric tus. moretypesofrejection. Finally,clientsalso endorsedstigmacoping strategiesof secrecy and withdrawal.For Do ClientsPerceiveand Reportthe example,withrespectto a historyof drug ExperienceofStigmaat theBeginning of abuse, clientsare about evenly split as to Treatment? it is a good idea to keepa historyof whether druguse a secret(52% yes vs. 48% no). A Althoughclientsvaryin theirresponses,a largemajority (76%) thinkthatitwouldnotbe majority believethat"mostpeople"willreject a good idea to tella potentialemployer about peoplewhoabusedrugsandhavebeenhospi- a history of drugproblems.Withrespectto a talizedformentalillness.Withrespectto drug historyof mentalhospitalization, 57 percent abuse,clientstendto agreethatmostpeople believeitis a good idea tokeepita secret,and willlookdownon (65%), mostemployers will 75 percent would not tell a prospective TABLE 1. Means, Standard Deviations,and Paired t-testsforPsychiatricSymptomsand Drug Use at Baseline and One-Year Follow-Up (N = 84) Baseline Means (s.d.) Variable CES-D RatingScale (total) BriefPsychiatric (GAF) ofFunctioning GlobalAssessment Scale Symptoms Psychiatric 23.2 (12.0) 31.1 (7.8) 42.5 (6.5) 8.2 (8.5) Follow-Up Means (s.d.) 14.7 (11.2) 25.1 (6.4) 54.9 (6.3) 2.7 (4.3) This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions Significance ofPaired (p) t-tests .001 .001 .001 .001 184 JOURNALOF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR employer.Many clientsalso endorsewithdrawalas a way of copingwithstigma.Most clientswouldnotapplyfora job iftheyknew theemployer didnotwantto hireformer drug addicts(57%) or peoplewho had beenhospitalizedformentalillness(60%). Thesedescriptive datasuggestthatmostof theclientsbelievetheywill be rejected,have experienced at leastsomeformofrejectionby others,and have takensteps to avoid such rejection. Atthesametime,clientsalso varyin theirperceptions, copingefforts, and reported experiences,suggestingthe possibilitythat thesestigma-related variablesmaybe associated withimportant aspectsof clients'wellbeingsuchas depressivesymptoms. of stigmaover levels of thesefourindicators theone-yearperiod.None of thepairedt-tests at the significance even approachesstatistical .05 level.3Thisindicatesthat,unlikesymptom reports, thereareno declinesin theperception or in of stigma,in stigmacopingorientations, the recall of rejectionexperiencesover the one-yeartimeperiodwhile themen were in whenwe examinedthese treatment. Moreover, resultsseparatelyforthe two typesof treatment,we foundno evidenceof a decreasein eithertreatment setting.Thus thereis no evidence to suggestthatthe effectsof stigma mighthave declinedbecause mean levels on thestigmameasuresdeclined. Does theAssociationBetweenStigma Variablesand DepressiveSymptoms DissipateAfterOne YearofTreatment? Do ReportsofStigmaDeclineoverthe CourseofOne YearofTreatment? At baseline,perceiveddevaluation/discrimThereare twowaysin whichtheeffectsof of inationand rejectionexperiencesare signifistigmamightdissipate.First,theperception stigmamightdeclineovertimein responseto cantlyassociatedwithdepressivesymptoms improving symptoms or otheraspectsof the (r = .318,p < .01 andr = .307,p < .01,respecof treatment experience.Second,theassociation tively),whilethestigmacopingorientations betweenstigmaanddepressivesymptoms (the secrecy(r = .171, n.s.) and withdrawal (r = slope) may decrease over time. Our main .033, n.s.) are not.4Whenenteredas a block, interest is in testingthesecondofthesepossi- thefourstigmavariablesexplain15 percentof bilities.However,it is theoretically possible thevariancein baselinedepressivesymptoms. betweenstigmavariablesand fortheslopeofstigmaon depression toremain The correlation bothmeasuredoneyear over time,thereby depressivesymptoms, constantand significant withdevaluaindicating an enduring effectof stigma,while later,shows a similarpattern, (r = .244, p < .05) and at thesametimemeanlevelsofreported stig- tion/discrimination ma declinein sucha wayas to reducedepres- rejectionexperiences (r = .436,p < .001)5sigand sive symptoms. Thus it is important to evalu- nificantly relatedto depressivesymptoms, (r = ate bothpossibilitiesto obtaina fullunder- secrecy(r = .143, n.s.) and withdrawal thefourstigma oftheeffects of stigmaovertime. standing .034, n.s.) not.At follow-up, Table 2 showsmeans,standarddeviations, variablesexplain20 percentofthevariancein no declinein andpairedt-tests forthefourstigmameasures depressivesymptoms, indicating variables at baselineand one year later.As the table the importanceof stigma-related shows,thereis verylittlechangein themean with time. The fact thatthe stigma-related forStigmaScales at Baselineand TABLE 2. Means,StandardDeviations,and Pairedt-tests One-YearFollow-Up(N = 84) Variable PerceivedDevaluation/Discrimination RejectionExperiences Secrecy Withdrawal Baseline Means (s.d.) Follow-Up Means (s.d.) 2.72 (.40) .46 (.27) .57 (.28) .43 (.37) 2.76 (.41) .42 (.26) .57 (.31) .44 (.37) This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions Significance ofPaired t-tests (p) n.s. n.s. n.s. n.s. 185 ON STIGMA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES variablescontinueto have a strongeffecton chopathologyand shows thatthe effectof depressivesymptomsat follow-upindicates rejectionexperiencesremainssignificant and thatthe effectsof stigmaendureeven when quitestrongevenwiththesecontrols.In fact, indexesof severepsychiatric symptoms (psy- whenwe add thetwo follow-upindicators of choticsymptom scale and BPRS) and social stigma(perceiveddevaluation/discrimination functioning (GAF) show dramaticimprove- andrejectionexperiences) to an equationconment. tainingtreatment settingand thefourbaseline Thispattern ofresultsmakesitseemhighly measuresofpsychopathology (notshown),we unlikelythatstigma-related perceptionsand findthatthestigmaindicators accountforan experiencesare merelyalternatemanifesta- additional10.9 percentof thevariancein the tionsof symptoms. If themeasureswerecon- follow-upCES-D. This suggeststhatstigma foundedin thisway,themean scoreson the has a relativelystrongeffecton follow-up stigmameasuresshouldhave declinedfrom depressivesymptoms and is as important, for baselineto follow-up.Nevertheless, thereare example, as baseline depressivesymptoms otherways in which psychiatricand drug (whichaccountforabout9% ofthevariancein abuse conditions mightaccountforthecorre- follow-updepressivesymptoms). The pattern lationsbetweenstigmaand depressedmood. ofresultsinTable 3 is robustto changesinthe In particular, it is possiblethatinitialpsychi- specification ofvariablesincludedintheequaatriccondition mightaccountforlevelsofboth tion.Thusifwe add to each equationcontrols stigmaand depressedmoodone yearlater.To forthebaselinevalueofthestigmameasure(s) considerthispossibility, Table 3 showsfour in question,we continueto findthatthefolregressionequationsrelatingfollow-upper- low-upmeasuresofstigmahavethesamepatand ternof significant ceptions of devaluation/discrimination effects as shownin Table 3. rejectionexperiencesto follow-updepressive In addition,ifwe entercontrolsforfollow-up while holdingbaselinesymptoms scoreson the BPRS, the GAF, and thepsysymptoms constant. By holdingconstantbaselinesymp- choticsymptoms scale to equation4, followtoms,we partialout of the stigmavariables up rejectionexperiences remainsa significant any influencethesesymptoms mayhave had predictorof depressivesymptoms.We also on them.Equation 1 shows thatfollow-up conductedanalysesentering age, educational devaluation/discrimination is significantly level, and ethnicity (AfricanAmerican,Hisassociatedwith follow-updepressivesymp- panic, and other)as controlvariables,but toms net of baseline depressivesymptoms. becausethesevariableswereunrelated to folEquation2 showsthesamepatternof results low-upCES-D withbaselineCES-D heldconforrejectionexperiences.Equation3 shows stant,andbecausetheydidnotaltertheeffects that when both rejectionexperiencesand of eitherindicatorof stigma,we did not perceiveddevaluation/discrimination are in- include them in the equationsreportedin has a uniqueeffecton Table 3. Finally,we testedfortwo formsof cluded,onlytheformer follow-updepressivesymptoms.6 thatmighthave led us to qualify Equation4 interaction adds severalothermeasuresof baselinepsy- our results.Firstwe testedwhethertypeof TABLE 3. RegressionAnalysesShowingthe Effectsof Stigma Variables on Follow-Up DepressiveSymptoms Controlling forBaselineSymptoms (N = 84) Standardized RegressionCoefficients BaselineCES-D Treatment Setting(TC = 1; CR-0) PerceivedDevaluation/Discrimination RejectionExperiences BaselineBriefPsychiatric RatingScale BaselineGlobalAssessment ofFunctioning BaselinePsychoticSymptoms R'2.184 Equation 1 Equation 2 Equation 3 .354** -.219* .256** -.240* .257* -.235* .115 -.219* .094 .065 .211* .386** .351** .273 .281 **p <.Ol; *p <.05. This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions Equation 4 .325** .104 -.181 .031 .323 186 JOURNALOF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR vs. commu- measuresof psychiatricsymptoms.In this community (therapeutic treatment with stigmamea- view, theperceptionof stigmais shapedby nityresidence)interacted Depressedpeopleare sensibut symptomatology: symptoms depressive in sures predicting parainteraction.tiveto slightsand see themeverywhere, foundno evidenceof significant con- noidpeoplethinkothersaredoingthingstoget This suggeststhatstigmahas relatively settings. them,and so on. The associationbetween acrossthetwotreatment stanteffects andbetweenstigmaand betweenstig- stigmaandsymptoms Secondwe testedforinteraction be attributmameasuresandoutcomelevelsontheBPRS, otheroutcomeswould ultimately on stigmameaofsymptoms theGAF, andsubstanceabusebutagainfound able tothiseffect Thismeansthereis sures.Butthepresentstudycastsdoubton this no evidenceofinteraction. associano strongevidenceto suggestthattheeffects explanation.If the symptom-stigma effect, an such by dominated indeed were tion forpeople who are of stigmaare different inthe decline a sharp have expected would one symptoms, to BPRS regard with well doing social functioning,and substance use as perceptionof stigmawhen symptomsimButthisdidnotoccur opposedto thosewho are doingless well on provedso dramatically. -the mean of the stigmameasureshardly thesedimensions. changedat all frombaseline,whensymptoms whenthey werehigh,to one-yearfollow-up, weremuchlower.7The failureof thishypothDISCUSSION becauseitpoints esishasbroaderimplications, explanaas an alternative At theoutsetof thispaper,we drewatten- to itsineffectiveness intheliterature reported the tionforotherfindings tion to extensiveevidencedocumenting positiveeffectsof mentalhealth on stigmaand itsconsequences. short-term withGove's One mayalso argue,consistent on symptomsand relapse. Given treatment such strongevidence concerningpositive (1982) claims, that the effectsof stigma small("do notpose herearerelatively effectsof mentalillnesslabelingand subse- reported one mightwonderwhether a severe problem") and have only been quenttreatment, to lastforone year("are transinegativeeffectsthrough demonstrated any countervailing above) indicates (reported stigmacan be of muchconsequenceby com- tory").Ourfinding and rejection parison.But the evidence also shows that thatdevaluation/discrimination over 10 percent explain uniquely time that, and experiences dissipatewith benefits treatment at folas a result,otherprocessesare likelyto oper- ofthevariancein depressivesymptoms thatis largerthantheeffect to offsetthe benefitsof low-up-an effect ate simultaneously It is also as treatment.This coupled with theoryand of baselinedepressivesymptoms. researchdocumentingpervasive effectsof largeas orlargerthantheassociationtypically ofthestress thatstigmamay foundbetweenmanycomponents stigmaled us to hypothesize life stressful mastery, on depressivesymptoms process(social support, effects haveenduring mentalhealth events, chronic stressors)and depressive evenin thecontextof effective We tested symptoms (e.g.,Pearlinetal. 1981;Turnerand and substanceabuse interventions. studyof men Marino 1994). At the very least, then,the in a longitudinal thishypothesis improve- effectis not small relativeto the kinds of whoshowedtheexpectedshort-term and substanceabuse effectsthatsocial scientistshave takenserimentin theirpsychiatric to one- ously in other contexts. Moreover, with conditionsfromentryintotreatment natureof ortransitory yearfollow-up.In supportof ourhypothesis, respecttotheshort-term we foundthattwo aspectsof stigmathatwe theeffectsof stigma,our studyputsdefinite the limitson whatcan be claimedregarding devaluation/discriminaidentified-perceived reportsof discriminationmeaningof suchterms.We have showna reltionand respondent to affectthe men in ativelystrongassociationbetweenstigmaand experiences-continued one yearaftertreatment fashioneventhoughthemengen- depressivesymptoms anuntoward inresponsetothe began. While it is possiblethatsuch effects presumably erallyimproved, mightdissipateovera longertime,theirmagoftreatment. positiveeffects explanationthatmightbe nitudeat one yearsuggeststheywouldlikely An alternative to accountfortheassociationbetween endureat leastfora whileaftertheone-year offered is mark.Ratherthanbeingdismissedas transitostigmameasuresand depressivesymptoms with ry,effectsthatlast as long as thisshouldbe thatthestigmameasuresareconfounded This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions ON STIGMA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES 187 aspectof the NOTES takenseriouslyas an important formental livesofpeoplewho seektreatment 1. One of thegoals of thestudyas a wholewas to healthand substanceabuseproblems. of thesetwo formsof evaluatetheeffectiveness we In the contextof theseconsiderations, is based community therapeutic The intervention. evidenceof the believewe haveaddedfurther in on a modelthatinvolvesintenseintervention of stigmaas an influ- whichmembersare confronted importance fundamental by one another ence on people withmentalillnessand subchanges and givensupportto makefundamental stanceabusers.Of course,futureworkwill residencemodel in theirlives. The community need to assess the externalvalidityof the providessupervisedlivingand access to treatthefindingin different mentbutinvolvesless oftheintensegroupexperesultsby replicating These community. typesof stigmatizing riencethanthe therapeutic withdifferent contexts, imporcentral of are not in approach differences stigconsequencesof and different conditions tanceto thispaperbutwe do takeaccountofany ma. To theextentthatsuchfutureworkconmayhaveas describedbelow. firmsour results,practicaland theoretical effectsthey 2. The fourmeasures-devaluation/discrimination, follow. implications secrecy,andwithdrawalrejectionexperiences, Froma practicalpointof view,thefinding formedseparatefactorsin a factoranalysis.The in thisstudy,coupledwiththegrowreported analysiswas basedon a largernumber(N = 267) ing evidencefrommanyotherstudies,raises of subjects.Thesesubjectscompletedthestigma in measuresbut did not necessarilyparticipate an importantchallenge for health care studythatformsthebasisofthis thelongitudinal The messageis simple:Stigmahas providers. sample. effects,effectsthat remaineven important section,our we indicatedin themeasurement 3. As in participating while improve whenpeople scale includesitemsthat experiences rejection are Healthcareproviders programs. treatment "ever" experireferto whetherthe respondent facedwiththechallengeof how to therefore preformof rejectionthereby enceda particular addressstigmain itsownrightiftheywantto cludinga validdecreasein meanlevelsof rejecmaximizethequalityoflifeforthosetheytreat tion experiencesover time. Still the recall of beyond oftreatment thebenefits andmaintain rejectionexperiencesmighthave declined,particularlyif reportsof rejectionexperiencesare theshortterm. so as toproduce bysymptoms pointof view,thisstudy heavilyinfluenced Froma theoretical For thisreasonit is adds evidenceto a modifiedlabelingperspec- confoundedmeasurement. to knowthatreportsof rejectiondid instructive causal role to tive thatassignsan important notdecline. or outcomes untoward in stigma producing similarto the 4. Measuresof copingorientations "secondarydeviance."It does so by demon- ones used in thisstudyhave been significantly stratingthat stigma has a substantialand associatedwithnegativeoutcomesin otherstudthat enduringeffecton depressivesymptoms ies (Link et al. 1989, 1991). Thereare several Like operateswhilepeople are in treatment. possiblereasonsthatwe failedto findsuch an we find that the associationin thisstudy.First,thesampleis relRosenfield(forthcoming), ativelysmall.Second,thesecopingorientations and stigmacoexistand effectsof treatment on outcomesotherthandepresmayhaveeffects yielda kindof"packagedeal" ofgoodandbad likelyforthe This is particularly sive symptoms. effectsthatresultfromofficiallabeling.The used in thisstudywhich withdrawal of measure ofan effectof stigmaraises finding consistent Finally, onjob procurement. is focusedexplicitly new theoreticalquestionsabout the mechathesecopingmechanismsmay have been relanisms throughwhich stigmahas enduring tivelyunimportant timebutmay at thisparticular effects.Does theeffectendurebecauserejecforgood or ill at otherpointsin the have effects tionby otherscontinuesunabated?Is it diffi- stigmatized person'slife. to notethatthe"ever"wordingof cult forthe labeled personto shake offthe 5. It is important from itemsdoes notdetract the of rejection some to it? attached meanings the markand personal thiscorrelation (or subseOr is it thetraumaand pain of past rejection ourabilityto interpret as indicatingan quentregressioncoefficients) person?Most thatstayswiththe stigmatized tellsus ofstigma.The correlation effect enduring betweenthese likelysome dynamicinterplay thatregardlessof whenthe reportedrejections mechanismsaccountsfortheenduringeffect mayhaveoccurredtheassociationremains. researchwould 6. Thisresultsuggeststhepossibility of stigma.In anyevent,future thatrejection do well to conceptualizeand testthesepossioverperceiveddevalupredominate experiences in explainingdepressive bilitiesin orderto achievea morecomplete ation/discrimination to adoptthisinterWe are reluctant symptoms. of stigma'seffects. understanding This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 188 JOURNALOF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR betweenthe because the correlation pretation, high(r = .44) and the twomeasuresis relatively to small,makingitdifficult samplesize relatively obtainstableestimatesof theuniqueeffectsof is that thesevariables.Whatis moreimportant these differentoperationalizationsof stigma amountsof variance explainsignificant together inpsychiatric evenwhendramatic improvements haveoccurred. anddrugabuseconditions 7. As we notedabove,someofthestigmaitemsask As a reports ofrejectionexperiences. forlifetime result,totheextentthatthemeasuresareperfectof ly valid,one would not expecta diminution Butthe stigmascoresfrombaselineto follow-up. we explanation corerationaleforthealternative is thatthemeasuresarenotvalid areconsidering at bya person'ssymptoms confounded butrather Thus, accordingto this the time of reporting. thestigmascoresshould explanation alternative negativeviews of declineas symptom-induced diminish lifein generaland stigmain particular The factthatthemean withdecliningsymptoms. scores on the stigmavariablesremainconstant overtimeis whatleadsus to doubtthevalidityof explanation. thisalternative APPENDIX ItemWording PerceivedDevaluation/Discrimination mentalpatientscannotbe trusted. 1. Mostpeoplebelievethatformer a manwhohas beena patientin a mentalhospital. 2. Mostwomenwouldnotmarry formentalillnessis dangerous. 3. Mostpeoplebelievethata manwhohas beenhospitalized formentalillness. 4. Mostpeoplethinkless ofa personafterhe has beenhospitalized formentalillness. 5. Mostpeoplelookdownon peoplewhohavebeenhospitalized as theaverageperson. 6. Mostpeoplethinkthatmentalpatientsarejustas intelligent formentalillness. willnothirea personwhohas beenhospitalized 7. Mostemployers 8. Do youbelievethatmanypeopleareafraidofthosepeoplewhohavebeenpatientsin mentalhospitals? 9. Mostpeoplebelievethatdrugaddictscannotbe trusted. a manwhohas beenaddictedto drugs. 10. Mostwomenwouldnotmarry 11. Mostpeoplebelievethata manwhohas beenaddictedto drugsis dangerous. fordrugproblems. 12. Mostpeoplethinkless of a personafterhe has beenhospitalized fordrugproblems. 13. Mostpeoplelookdownon peoplewhohavebeenhospitalized as theaverageperson. 14. Mostpeoplethinkthatdrugaddictsarejustas intelligent willnothirea personwhohas beenaddictedto drugs. 15. Mostemployers RejectionExperiences afteryouhad beena patientin a mentalhospital? treatyoudifferently 1. Did someofyourfriends in a mentalhospital? 2. Have youeverbeenavoidedbypeoplebecausetheyknewyouwerehospitalized 3. Have peopleusedthefactthatyouwerein a mentalhospitalto hurtyourfeelings? or a roombecauseyouhadbeena patientin a mentalhospital? 4. Have youeverbeenrefusedan apartment avoidpeoplebecauseyouthinktheymightlookdownon peoplewhowerein a mental 5. Do yousometimes hospital? aroundyou? formentalillnesswerepeopleuncomfortable 6. Afterbeinghospitalized 7. Did someofyourfriends rejectyouaftertheyfoundoutyouwereusingdrugs? 8. Did someofyourfamilygiveup on youwhentheyfoundoutyouwereusingdrugs? 9. Weresomepeopleafraidofyouwhentheyfoundoutyouuseddrugs? becausetheyknewyouwerea drugaddict? 10. Have peopletreatedyouunfairly 11. Do yousometimes avoidpeoplebecauseyouthinktheymightlookdownon peoplewhohavehad a drug problem? paid youlowerwagesbecausetheyknewyouhada drughistory? 12. Have someemployers Secrecy hidethefactthatyouwerea patientin a mentalhospital? 1. Do yousometimes a secret? ofmentalhospitalization 2. Do youthinkitis a good idea to keepyourhistory 3. Wouldyouadvisea close relativewhohadbeentreatedformentalillnessnotto tellanyoneaboutit? 4. Do youwaituntilyouknowa personwellbeforeyoutellthemyouhavebeena patientin a mentalhospital? 5. Do yousometimes hidethefactthatyouwereonce addictedto drugs? ofdruguse a secret? 6. Do youthinkitis a good idea to keepyourhistory 7. Wouldyouadvisea close relativewhohad a seriousdrugproblemnotto tellanyoneaboutit? 8. Do youwaituntilyouknowa personwellbeforeyoutellthemaboutyourproblemwithdrugs? Withdrawal-Employment of mental was goingto ask aboutyourhistory 1. Wouldyouapplyfora job ifyouknewtheemployer hospitalizations? mentalpatients? didn'tliketo hireformer 2. Wouldyouapplyfora job ifyouknewtheemployer ofdruguse? wouldask aboutyourhistory 3. Wouldyouapplyfora job ifyouknewtheemployer didn'tliketo hireformer drugaddicts? 4. Wouldyouapplyfora job ifyouknewtheemployer This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions ON STIGMA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES 189 Harris,Monica,RichardMilich,ElizabethCorbitt, Daniel Hoover, and Marianne Brady. 1992. "Self-Fulfilling Effectsof StigmatizingInforChristensen, Helen,Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic,Gavin mation on Children's Social Interactions." Andrews,and RichardMattick.1987."Behavior Therapyand TricyclicMedicationin Treatment Journalof Personalityand Social Psychology of Obsessive-Compulsive 63:41-50. Disorder:A Quantitative Review." Journal of Consultingand Jones,Edward,AmerigoFarina,AlbertHastorf, ClinicalPsychology Hazel Markus,Dale T. Miller,and RobertScott. 55:701-11. Clomipramine CollaborativeStudyGroup. 1991. 1984.Social Stigma:ThePsychology ofMarked intheTreatment "Clomipramine ofPatientswith Relationships.New York: Freemanand ComObsessive CompulsiveDisorder."Archivesof pany. GeneralPsychiatry 48:730-38. 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TheBenefits ofPsychotherapy. Baltimore, GeneralPsychiatry 41:1096-104. MD: JohnsHopkinsUniversity Press. Radloff,Lenore S. 1997. "The CES-D Scale: A Turner,R. Jayand FrancoMarino.1994. "Social A Descriptive Self-Report DepressionScale forResearchin the Supportand Social Structure: EpiGeneral Population." Applied Psychological demiology."Journalof Health and Social Behavior35:193-212. 1:365-401. Measurement Bruce G. Link is associateprofessor ofpublichealthat ColumbiaUniversity and a ResearchScientistat New YorkStatePsychiatric Institute. His researchinterests includetheimpactof labelingand stigmaon peoplewithmentalillness,theassociationbetweenmentalillnessandviolence,andthesocial epidemiologyofmentalandphysicalillnesses. New York ElmerL. Strueningis DirectoroftheEpidemiology ofMentalDisordersResearchDepartment, researchis focused StatePsychiatric Institute, and AssociateProfessor, ColumbiaUniversity. His current on thesocialandpsychological experience ofpeoplewhoarecaregivers forpeoplewithmentalillness,on ofhometheevaluationoftreatment programs forpeoplewithmentalillness,andon thesocialexperience lessness.He also has a stronginterest in theinfluence ofattitudes towardmentalillnesson thewelfareand behaviorofpeoplewithmentaldisorders. Inc. and the Principal Michael Rahav is Directorof Researchand Evaluationat ArgusCommunity ofDrugAbusegrantto studyhomeless,mentally ill,chemically abusInvestigator on a NationalInstitute illassociatedwiththehomelessness-mental ingmen.His researchfocuseson familyandsocialconditions ness-chemicalabuse syndrome. of SouthernCalifornia.Her research of sociologyat theUniversity Jo C. Phelan is assistantprofessor and actionsrelatedto inequality and itslegitiinterests includehomelessness, social stigmaand attitudes, mation. ResearchInstitute (NDRI) inNew York LarryNuttbrockis ProjectDirectorattheNationalDevelopment focuson thesocial City,evaluatingthedeliveryof servicesto homelesspeople. His researchinterests menandwomen. experienceofhomeless,substance-abusing This content downloaded from 132.194.32.30 on Fri, 16 May 2014 16:52:06 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions