Social Stigma Towards Mental Health Problems in Spain: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: This review focuses on social stigma associated with mental health problems in Spain in recent years. Method: A systematic search was conducted in SCOPUS, PsycInfo and Pubmed from 2010 to 2021. Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria, and their quality was assessed following the STROBE-checklist. Results: In the Spanish population, stigmatising dynamics are detected in three dimensions of stigma: cognitive (beliefs of dangerousness, unpredictability, irresponsibility); emotional (prejudices and emotions of fear, anger, blaming for the psychological problem); and behavioural (discriminatory behaviours, avoidance, coercion). The results also show significant levels of stigma among health professionals. In contrast, those who have contact with mental health problems, or are trained in mental health, tend to show lower stigma. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies with rigorous methodology are needed to access strong empirical evidence in this field. Contact and education may be relevant factors in programming interventions, both in the general population and in health professionals.