Misconceptions, prejudice and social distance towards people with alcohol use disorders in China

Research from Western societies indicates pervasive public stigma against people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the interactions between different components of stigma and their contribution to discriminatory behaviour towards individuals with AUDs within the Chinese cultural context. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the relationships of (mis-)conceptions, stereotypes, emotional reactions, perceived public stigma and their contribution to the desire for social distance among the Chinese adults.

(Mis-)conceptions, stereotypes, emotional responses, willingness to help and avoid, perceived stigma, and the desire for social distance from individuals with AUDs were assessed via a cross-sectional online survey with a sample of 1,100 adults from the Chinese population.

Three-fourth of the participants recognised AUDs as mental illnesses, though 70% of the sample did not support health insurance coverage for the treatment of AUDs. A stronger desire for social distance was associated with greater recognition of alcohol use disorders as mental illnesses, heightened perceptions of dangerousness and personal responsibility, increased fear, and more willingness to avoid and withhold help, controlling for age, gender, education, employment, mental health service utilisation, and alcohol consumption. Fear fully mediated the effects of perceptions of dangerousness and responsibility on the desire for social distance.

To improve social integration for individuals with AUDs in China, culturally tailored anti-stigma programmes are needed to reduce negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours among the Chinese population.