The Role of Right-Wing Authoritarianism in Distinguishing Mental Health Stigma Among Treatment Providers

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between right-wing authoritarian (RWA) beliefs and mental health stigma, patient case conceptualizations, and treatment recommendations using secondary analysis of a sample of treatment providers. A total of 246 providers (86 medical students, 67 doctoral psychology students, and 93 licensed clinical psychologists) completed online surveys including measures of RWA beliefs, mental health stigma, and qualitative items regarding conceptualization and treatment recommendations regarding a patient vignette. RWA beliefs were significantly associated with mental health stereotypes, microaggressions, and desire for social distance, and a significant interaction was found for provider type and RWA such that this relationship was strongest for medical students compared with psychologically trained subsamples. High RWA beliefs were also associated with less consideration of the vignette’s presenting complaint, a lower likelihood to recommend treatment follow-up, and a higher likelihood to recommend simple “lifestyle changes.” Findings suggest that RWA beliefs may be a distinguishing correlate among providers regarding mental health stigma and are an important potential target for antistigma interventions for treatment professionals