The stigma associated with mental illness and seeking psychological help remains a significant barrier to individuals accessing necessary mental health services. This barrier is multifaceted, often beginning with societal perceptions and leading to personal reluctance to seek help, deeply affecting one’s self-esteem and willingness to engage in counseling.
Studies from Iowa State University have shown how societal stigmas about mental health could be internalized by individuals, influencing their self-esteem and intentions to seek counseling. The study introduces the Internalized Stigma Model, which illustrates the pathway from public stigma to self-stigma and its subsequent impact on personal outcomes like self-esteem and help-seeking behaviors.
Public Stigma vs. Self-Stigma
Public stigma involves the negative stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes held by the society regarding mental illness or the act of seeking psychological help. This external perception can lead individuals to internalize these stigmas, turning them into self-stigma. Self-stigma occurs when individuals accept these public attitudes as true for themselves, resulting in decreased self-esteem and a reduced likelihood of seeking help.
The research highlights that both types of self-stigma (related to mental illness and seeking psychological help) predict a decrease in self-esteem. However, it is the self-stigma associated with seeking psychological help that directly influences one’s intention to seek counseling. This finding is crucial as it underscores the role of targeted interventions that address the stigma surrounding help-seeking behavior, beyond general mental health stigma.
Implications for Counseling and Intervention
Understanding the nuanced pathways through which stigma affects individuals allows mental health professionals to tailor interventions more effectively. Counseling services and mental health campaigns can benefit from incorporating strategies that specifically address both public and self-stigmas. Enhancing awareness and adjusting public perceptions about mental health positively influence the internal beliefs of individuals, potentially mitigating the internalization of harmful stigmas.
Toward a Stigma-Free Perception
The research results advocate for a dual approach in combating stigma: changing societal perceptions and supporting individuals in overcoming their internalized stigmas. This comprehensive strategy is essential for creating a supportive environment that encourages individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or self-deprecation.
Reference
Lannin, D. G., Vogel, D. L., Brenner, R. E., & Tucker, J. R. (2015). Predicting Self-Esteem and Intentions to
Seek Counseling: The Internalized Stigma Model Ψ. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(1), 64-93. https://doi-
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