Meaning matters: Measuring the mental illness identity

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Mental Health Research
• Sociology

Background:

• Stigma and identity research inform the study of mental illness as a social identity.
• Existing research lacks quantitative measures for mental illness as a stigmatized identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and examine quantitative measures of mental illness as a stigmatized identity.
• To investigate the dimensions of mental illness identity and their relationship with well-being.

Main Methods:

• A web-based panel survey of 1453 adults was conducted.
• 1067 participants identifying with mental health concerns rated adjective-pairs representing mental illness stereotypes.
• Factor analysis identified two dimensions: Dangerousness and Weakness.

Main Results:

• Two dimensions of mental illness identity emerged: Dangerousness and Weakness.
• Both dimensions correlated with lower self-efficacy and higher psychological distress.
• Perceptions of weakness were uniquely associated with lower self-worth.

Conclusions:

• Specifying the meanings of mental illness identity (e.g., dangerousness, weakness) enhances understanding of stigma's impact.
• Findings contribute to identity theory by detailing the mental illness identity construct.
• Understanding these identity dimensions is crucial for improving well-being among individuals with mental health concerns.