Date of Award
Spring 2-12-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Psychology
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Philip Yanos
Second Reader
Joseph DeLuca
Third Advisor
Elizabeth Jeglic
Abstract
The study of individual factors influencing mental illness stigma among communities is not widely present in current mental health research. This study examined demographic variables that influence mental illness stigma. It also utilized the Attitudes Towards Mental Illness Scale, the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale, and the Mental Illness Microaggressions Scale – Perpetrator Version to determine the presence of mental illness stigma among individuals in various areas throughout the city of New York. Analysis found that higher levels of education predict fewer stigmatizing characteristics. Older respondents were found to have higher levels of stigma than younger respondents across all measures. Individuals who had lived or worked in the neighborhood for a longer period of time displayed more stigmatizing characteristics than those who had lived or worked there for a shorter period of time. Race, marital status, and sex were also found to be predictive factors of mental illness stigma. These results indicate that education about mental illness and contact with individuals with mental illness can decrease mental illness stigma.
Recommended Citation
Terrill, Rachel M., "Individual Factors Influencing Mental Illness Stigma in the New York City Metropolitan Area" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/254