Decreasing stigmatization: Reducing the discrepancy between “us” and “them”. An intervention for mental health care professionals

Abstract

Objective: Stigmatization has negative consequences for people with mental health disorder diagnosis. Studies indicate that professionals have stigmatizing attitudes and behavior towards clients. Continuum beliefs are associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. The effect of a workshop to diminish stigmatizing attitudes and to enhance continuum beliefs is examined. Method: A total of 202 mental health professionals from (Functional) Assertive Community Treatment [(F)ACT] teams were randomly assigned to a workshop or a waiting list control group. Stigmatizing attitudes and continuum beliefs were assessed in both conditions at baseline and follow-up. Results: Compared to baseline, the workshop group showed an increase on continuum beliefs. However, there was no effect of the intervention on stigmatizing attitudes. Contrary to the expectations, stigmatizing attitudes increased in the waiting list condition. Conclusion: Communicating the continuity aspect can be valuable in decreasing the “us and them” discrepancy between professionals and people with mental health disorders. Further research on continuum beliefs is needed.