Stigma and Discrimination in Personality Disorders: Perspectives of Those With Lived Experience and Providers

Stigma and discrimination towards those with a mental disorder are prevalent. This is especially true of those with a personality disorder (PD). The current study explores the extent to which individuals living with a PD experience internalized stigma and discrimination due to their diagnosis as well as the prevalence of self-reported microaggressions and negative attitudes towards individuals with PDs by mental health providers. Individuals with personality disorders (n = 218; Sample 1) and mental health providers (n = 75; Sample 2) were recruited online via postings on social media, online forums, and email listservs. Individuals with PDs endorsed several factors of internalized stigma including alienation, social withdrawal, stereotype endorsement, stigma resistance, and reported significant discriminatory experiences. Results also showed that provider attitudes towards those with PDs are mixed but they largely rejected microaggressions, apart from negative reactions, and appeared aware of the negative consequences of mental health stigma. However, providers may appear patronizing when providing unwanted advice to those with a mental illness. By gaining a better understanding of the experiences of individuals living with a PD and those who treat them, we can more effectively counter harmful stigmatization and discrimination.