Perceptions of Suicide Stigma

Previous research has failed to examine perceptions of stigma experienced by individuals with a history of suicidal behavior, and few studies have examined how stigma is experienced based on whether it was perceived from treatment providers or social network members.

This study examined stigma experienced by individuals with previous suicidal behavior from both treatment providers and individuals in one's social and family networks.

Individuals (n = 156) with a lifetime history of suicidal behavior were recruited through the American Association of Suicidology listserv.

Respondents reported the highest rates of perceived stigma with a close family member (57.1%) and emergency department personnel (56.6%). Results indicated that individuals with previous suicidal behavior were more likely to experience stigma from non-mental health providers and social network members than from mental health providers. A hierarchical regression model including both source and type of stigma accounted for more variance (R(2) = .14) in depression symptomology than a model (R(2) = .06) with only type of stigma. Prevalence of stigma perceived from social network members was the best predictor of depression symptom severity.

These findings highlight the need for future research on how social network members react to suicide disclosure and potential interventions for improving interactions following disclosure.