Community Attitude and Stigma towards Mental Illness: A Gender Perspective

By : S. Poddar , N.K Singh , Prashant Srivastava , Raja Upadhyay

Page No: 335-341

Abstract
Background: Mental illness refers to some alteration in psychological functions which adversely affects an individual’s life as well as surrounding environment. Belief system regarding the causation of mental illness varies in different cultures and such beliefs can influence the community mostly in negative manner. Aims & Objectives: To Assess and Compare the Community Attitude & Stigma towards mental illness in terms of Gender Difference. Method: 60 Individuals (30 male individuals and 30 female individuals) have been included from Central Institute of Psychiatry in purposive manner. Semi- Structured Socio Demographic datasheet was used followed by Community attitude towards Mentally Ill Scale and Stigma Scale. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS- 16 version). Result: Stigma with mental illness have larger impact not only on the individual, but also on families and communities. There are significant difference found community attitude towards mental illness and perceived stigma in the male & female individuals.

Authors :
Raja Upadhyay : District Psychiatric Social Worker, N.M.H.P, Sadar Hospital, Bhabua, Kaimmur, Bihar-821101.
Prashant Srivastava : Psychiatric Social Worker, Child Development Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital and Ph.D Scholar, Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110002.
N.K Singh : Psychiatric Social Worker, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, CIP, Ranchi-834006
S. Poddar : Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal-713340