Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Development of a measure of stigma towards occupational stress for mental health professionals
Bonnie A Clough1,2, Melissa Hill3, Matthew Delaney3
1School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, 58 Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia. b.clough@griffith.edu.au.
Purpose:
Stigma is a common barrier to mental health professionals (MHPs) seeking help for occupational stress and burnout, although there is a lack of psychometrically sound tools to measure this construct. The current study aimed to develop and validate a scale (the Mental Health Professional Stigma Scale; MHPSS) for this purpose.
Methods:
The MHPSS and related measures were completed by 221 Australian MHPs via online survey, with a subsample completing the MHPSS again 2 weeks after initial completion.
Results:
Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution, comprising of 13 items and accounting for 50.16% of variance. Factors were Perceived Other Stigma, Perceived Structural Stigma, Personal Stigma, and Self stigma. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity of the scale were supported.
Conclusions:
The MHPSS has utility to capture stigmatising attitudes and beliefs related to occupational stress and burnout among MHPs. It may be used to assist in the development and evaluation of initiatives to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking among MHPs.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stereotype Content Model
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Primary Appraisal:...

