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3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing
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3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral and Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 13052

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chung-Ying Lin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
Interests: patient-reported outcomes; childhood adversity and mental health in children/adolescents; therapeutic effects on people with mental illness; psychometric testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Hector Tsang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Interests: neuropsychiatric and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with mental illness; mental illness stigma; psychophysiology of mind–body interventions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After editing the first two Special Issues of “Stigma, Health and Wellbeing”, we decided to organize a third edition on the topic, as we believe that a lot remains to be said.

Stigmas can be conceptualized as the co-occurrence of the following: (i) distinguishing differences and labeling; (ii) negatively stereotyping those who are labeled as different; (iii) separating labeled people from unlabeled people (e.g., using “us” vs. “them”); (iv) emotional reactions, such as anger and hatred, among both those who do the labeling and those who are labeled; (v) the labeled group experiencing status loss and discrimination; (vi) the economic, social, political, and power domains that enable these processes to unfold. We consider that the current era, struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, may deepen the impact of stigmas (e.g., suspicious COVID-19 cases and the stigmatization of healthcare providers). Those originally stigmatized prior to the pandemic may receive less healthcare resources because of the interaction between stigmatization and COVID-19. That is, the government may reallocate the healthcare resources to COVID-19 prevention and, thus, reduce the resources available to those who have been stigmatized. Therefore, understanding the issue of stigmatization during the COVID-19 era is important. Although we are interested in the stigma, health, and well-being issues under COVID-19, we also welcome other relevant submissions on the issue of stigmatization that are not directly related to COVID-19.

In this Special Issue, we still intend to address this knowledge gap and invite the submission of papers that explore and shed light on the relationship between stigmatization and any aspect of health. Reviews, observational studies, case vignettes, and randomized experimental trials are welcome. If you have an idea and do not know whether it falls into the scope of this Special Issue, you may contact either one of the Guest Editors (Dr. Chung-Ying Lin or Prof. Dr. Hector Tsang).

Dr. Chung-Ying Lin
Prof. Dr. Hector Tsang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • discrimination
  • help-seeking behavior
  • physical health
  • prejudice
  • psychosocial health
  • quality of life
  • stigma
  • wellbeing
  • COVID-19

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Somebody to Lean on: Understanding Self-Stigma and Willingness to Disclose in the Context of Addiction
by Qing Ma, Christopher R. Whipple, Övgü Kaynak, Erica Saylor and Weston S. Kensinger
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081044 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1318
Abstract
Substance use self-stigma is a barrier to treatment and can negatively impact individuals’ well-being and treatment engagement. Given the mixed findings in previous research and the limited specific investigation into the concept of self-stigma within the context of opioid misuse, examining factors associated [...] Read more.
Substance use self-stigma is a barrier to treatment and can negatively impact individuals’ well-being and treatment engagement. Given the mixed findings in previous research and the limited specific investigation into the concept of self-stigma within the context of opioid misuse, examining factors associated with self-stigma in the context of opioid use disorder (OUD) is warranted. The current study examines the influence of individual-level factors (race, sex, urban/rural status, support group attendance) on self-stigma and willingness to disclose opioid use. Data for this study were from a larger study of OUD-related stigma among adults in Pennsylvania, U.S. The current study included participants who indicated a personal past or current history with OUD were included (n = 84). Exploratory factor analysis and multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) model were used to explore the associations between demographic factors (i.e., sex, age, race/ethnicity, urban/rural status), attendance at mutual support groups, and self-stigma factors. Results indicated that sex and attendance at mutual support groups significantly predicted levels of self-stigma. Women and individuals with no previous experience attending mutual support groups endorsed lower levels of self-stigma. Additionally, attendance at mutual support groups predicted willingness to self-disclose past and present opioid use. Individuals who reported no history of attending mutual support groups demonstrated less willingness to disclose past and present OUD use compared to participants who were support group attendees. The current research findings enhance the understanding of OUD-related self-stigma by examining its relationship with individual-level factors, disclosure, and attendance to mutual support groups. The results offer insights into the influence of sex and support group attendance on self-stigma and disclosure. These findings have significant clinical implications for developing future interventions and promoting health policy changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing)
12 pages, 667 KiB  
Article
Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Suicide Stigma in Australia: Baseline Cross-Sectional Survey Findings from the Life-Span Suicide Prevention Trial Studies
by Lisa N. Sharwood, Alison L. Calear, Philip J. Batterham, Michelle Torok, Lauren McGillivray, Demee Rheinberger, Stephanie Zeritis, Tuguy Esgin and Fiona Shand
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032610 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2971
Abstract
The risk of suicidal behaviour in Australia varies by age, sex, sexual preference and Indigenous status. Suicide stigma is known to affect suicide rates and help-seeking for suicidal crises. The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic correlates of suicide stigma [...] Read more.
The risk of suicidal behaviour in Australia varies by age, sex, sexual preference and Indigenous status. Suicide stigma is known to affect suicide rates and help-seeking for suicidal crises. The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic correlates of suicide stigma to assist in prevention efforts. We surveyed community members and individuals who had attended specific emergency departments for suicidal crisis. The respondents were part of a large-scale suicide prevention trial in New South Wales, Australia. The data collected included demographic characteristics, measures of help-seeking and suicide stigma. The linear regression analyses conducted sought to identify the factors associated with suicide stigma. The 5426 participants were predominantly female (71.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 41.7 (14.8) years, and 3.9% were Indigenous. Around one-third of participants reported a previous suicide attempt (n = 1690, 31.5%) with two-thirds (n = 3545, 65.3%) seeking help for suicidal crisis in the past year. Higher stigma scores were associated with Indigenous status (β 0.123, 95%CI 0.074–0.172), male sex (β 0.527, 95%CI 0.375–0.626) and regional residence (β 0.079, 95%CI 0.015–0.143). Lower stigma scores were associated with younger age (β −0.002, 95%CI −0.004–−0.001), mental illness (β −0.095, 95%CI −0.139 to −0.050), male bisexuality (β −0.202, 95%CI −0.351 to −0.052) and males who glorified suicide (β −0.075, 95%CI −0.119 to −0.031). These results suggested that suicide stigma differed across the community, varying significantly by sex, sexual orientation and Indigenous status. Targeted educational programs to address suicide stigma could assist in suicide prevention efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing)
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10 pages, 643 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting Willingness to Receive Online Counseling: The Mediating Role of Ethical Concerns
by Xin Chen, Anzheng Du and Rufang Qi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16462; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416462 - 8 Dec 2022
Viewed by 2191
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional face-to-face counseling has gradually given way to online counseling. To improve the application value of online counseling and change the current situation of college students’ lack of willingness to receive online counseling, this study explored [...] Read more.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional face-to-face counseling has gradually given way to online counseling. To improve the application value of online counseling and change the current situation of college students’ lack of willingness to receive online counseling, this study explored factors that influence Chinese college students’ willingness to receive online counseling (WROC). Based on data gathered from surveying 823 Chinese college students using self-report questionnaires, we clarified the relationships between the self-stigma of seeking help, ethical concerns about online counseling (ECOC), online interpersonal trust (OIT), and the willingness to receive online counseling (WROC). The results indicated that (1) self-stigma of seeking help and OIT negatively and positively predicted the WROC, respectively; (2) ethical concerns negatively predicted the WROC; and (3) ethical concerns mediated the relationship between self-stigma and WROC and between OIT and WROC. The results suggest that reducing the self-stigma surrounding help-seeking, perfecting the ethical norms of online counseling, and enhancing interpersonal trust can improve willingness to receive online counseling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing)
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13 pages, 376 KiB  
Article
Weight Stigma among Young Adults in Thailand: Reliability, Validation, and Measurement Invariance of the Thai-Translated Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale
by Paratthakonkun Chirawat, Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip, Rattana Rattaprach, Siti R. Nadhiroh, Serene En Hui Tung, Wan Ying Gan, Meephiam Pinyo, Teosagul Nabpran, Kaitlin N. Rozzell-Voss, Janet D. Latner and Chung-Ying Lin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315868 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2501
Abstract
The previous studies found that the Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS) have shown well-established psychometric properties for measuring weight stigma with strong reliability and validity from different languages. However, there is a lack of an appropriate instrument [...] Read more.
The previous studies found that the Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS) have shown well-established psychometric properties for measuring weight stigma with strong reliability and validity from different languages. However, there is a lack of an appropriate instrument in assessing weight stigma in Thai samples. This study aimed to examine the Thai WSSQ and PWSS among Thai university students. Both instruments were also assessed for their measurement invariance across gender and weight status subgroups. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 801 university students in Thailand between January 2022 and July 2022. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire and a Thai version of the WSSQ, PWSS, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) via an online survey. Reliability, validity, measurement invariance, and correlational analyses were performed to investigate whether the Thai versions of the WSSQ and PWSS psychometric properties were acceptable. Both translated questionnaires demonstrated overall acceptable psychometric properties and revealed a two-dimensional structure for the WSSQ, and unidimensional structure for the PWSS. Measurement invariance was obtained across gender and weight status subgroups. Additionally, both translated WSSQ and PWSS were significantly correlated with DASS-21. The Thai-translated WSSQ and PWSS showed strong validity, reliability, and factorial invariance across different subgroups for measuring weight stigma among Thai university students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing)

Review

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24 pages, 2156 KiB  
Review
Evidence for the Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions for Internalized Stigma among Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
by Shankar Jagan, Tuti Iryani Mohd Daud, Lip Choy Chia, Suriati Mohamed Saini, Marhani Midin, Ng Eng-Teng and Selvasingam Ratnasingam
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085570 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3203
Abstract
In recent years, psychological interventions have been used to alleviate internalized stigma in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but outcomes have been inconsistent. The aim of this review was to examine the existing evidence regarding this matter. Four electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, [...] Read more.
In recent years, psychological interventions have been used to alleviate internalized stigma in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but outcomes have been inconsistent. The aim of this review was to examine the existing evidence regarding this matter. Four electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception until 8 September 2022, using appropriate strategies. The eligibility, quality, and strength of evidence of each study were all evaluated against the predetermined standards. Further quantitative analyses were performed using the RevMan software. A total of 27 studies were included in the systematic review. Eighteen studies with extractable data for meta-analysis yielded a statistically significant overall effect (Z = 3.00; p = 0.003; 95% CI: −0.69 [−1.15, −0.24]; n = 1633), although there was considerable heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.89; Chi2 = 303.62, df = 17; p < 0.00001; I2 = 94%). Subgroup analyses for Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) produced a statistically significant and highly homogenous effect (Z = 3.40; p = 0.0007; 95% CI: −0.44 [−0.70, −0.19]; n = 241; Tau2 = 0.00; Chi2 = 0.14, df = 2 (p = 0.93); I2 = 0%). In conclusion, the majority of the psychological interventions are successful in lowering levels of internalized stigma, especially NECT, and interventions that integrate multiple therapies may be more beneficial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Stigma, Health and Wellbeing)
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