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Do the psychiatric patients reject themselves?
H K Malhotra1, A S Inam, H D Chopra
1Instructor, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Newark, 100 Bergen Street, Newark, New Jersey 07103, U.S.A.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|November 8, 2011
Summary
This study found that psychiatric patients and their relatives exhibit greater social distance and prejudice towards ex-mental patients compared to control groups. Rejection was highest for marital relationships, but less so for cohabitation or working together.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Social stigma surrounding mental illness remains a significant barrier.
- Understanding attitudes towards individuals with a history of mental illness is crucial for reintegration.
- Previous research indicates varying degrees of social distance based on relationship type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure social distance and prejudice against ex-mental patients.
- To compare attitudes between psychiatric patients/relatives and a control group.
- To identify specific relationship contexts eliciting the most social distance.
Main Methods:
- A survey using five statements assessing social distance and prejudice.
- Participants included 137 psychiatric patients and relatives from urban settings.
- Comparison group comprised controls from an orthopaedic clinic.
Main Results:
- Maximum social distance was observed regarding marital relationships with ex-mental patients.
- Less social distance was reported for working in a mental hospital, sharing a house, falling in love, or working with ex-patients.
- Psychiatric patients and their relatives demonstrated higher rejection levels than controls.
Conclusions:
- Social distance and prejudice against ex-mental patients are prevalent, particularly concerning intimate relationships.
- Family and patient groups show heightened rejection, underscoring the need for targeted anti-stigma interventions.
- Findings highlight the complex nature of social acceptance and the impact of proximity to mental illness.
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