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Resolving mental illness stigma: should we seek normalcy or solidarity?
1Patrick W. Corrigan, PsyD, Illinois Institute of Technology, National Consortium on Stigma and Empowerment, 3424 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.
Summary
Two strategies address mental illness stigma: normalcy, emphasizing similarity, and solidarity, promoting support. Both have advantages and disadvantages for public perception and patient experience.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The stigma surrounding mental illness presents a significant barrier to treatment and social integration.
- Two primary conceptual frameworks have emerged to combat this stigma: normalcy and solidarity.
Discussion:
- The normalcy approach frames individuals with mental illness as fundamentally similar to the general population.
- The solidarity approach advocates for public support and alliance with individuals experiencing mental illness, irrespective of their symptom severity.
Key Insights:
- Normalcy may reduce perceived 'otherness' but risks invalidating unique experiences.
- Solidarity can foster a sense of community but may inadvertently pathologize or oversimplify the condition.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal approach or a hybrid model for reducing mental illness stigma.
- Understanding the nuanced impact of each strategy is crucial for developing effective public health interventions.
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