Effects of labelling on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia: are there cultural differences?

A representative survey which was recently conducted in Germany came to the conclusion that labelling as mental illness has an impact on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, with negative effects clearly outweighing positive effects. In this study, we will examine whether this result can be replicated in other countries.

In the summer of 2002, representative surveys were carried out in Novosibirsk (Russia) and in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), using the same sampling procedure and interview as in Germany.

As in Germany, in Novosibirsk and Ulaanbaatar labelling as mental illness was positively correlated with the endorsement of the belief that the individual depicted in the vignette is in need for help. However, unlike in Germany, labelling had no significant effect on the endorsement of the stereotype of dangerousness.

Our findings support the notion that labelling effects are culture-related. Therefore, anti-stigma efforts need to be tailored to the specific conditions in a particular country.