Stigma, self-stigma and implicit attitudes to severe mental illness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Stigma, self-stigma and implicit attitudes to severe mental illness: the consequences for symptomatic recovery and recovery judgments.
IRAS ID
171417
Contact name
Victoria Vass
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
While a considerable amount of research has shown that experiences of stigma and internalized stigma are linked with both recovery judgements and symptoms in psychosis, the psychological processes underlying these relationships are not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate whether people who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness exhibit a discrepancy between their implicit and explicit attitudes to mental health problems, and how this relates to internalised stigma. In addition, we will examine the impact of stigma and self-stigma on symptomatic recovery and recovery judgements, and explore potential psychological processes which may underlie these relationships. The study will employ a sample of 30 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses, 30 with bipolar disorder diagnoses, and 30 health controls. Participants will be recruited from the National Health Service (NHS) and voluntary services (e.g. Hearing Voices Network) across the Northwest region. Participants will be asked to engage in a series of questionnaires and computerized assessments. Findings will have implications for clinicians who may focus psychological interventions targeting these processes. Findings may also be informative to the development of anti-stigma campaigns.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0164
Date of REC Opinion
7 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion