Stigma and Schizophrenia

Case Study # 101639

Medical and Health > Nursing
Psychology > Case Studies
Psychology > Disorders

This paper explores mental illness and the effects of stigma on the patient, family and caregivers.

2,464 words () | 10 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses a clinical situation where the label of schizophrenia caused an individual to contend with issues such as social isolation and losses. The paper discusses the impact created by stigma on the family and on all those who come into contact with the patient. The paper reveals that the role of nursing is not always carried out since stigma is just as prevalent among health providers as it is across the general population.

Outline:
Introduction
Clinical Situation
Relevance of the Clinical Situation
Identification of Three Issues of the Concept
Future Practice
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Mental illness is deeply misunderstood in our society and stigma is attached to all forms of the illness. No form of mental illness is more shunned by the public and induces more fear than schizophrenia. Kenny (2001) maintains that stigma seriously damages self-esteem and reduces opportunities for the person who has an illness such as schizophrenia. More importantly, stigma constitutes a major problem for the recovery process. Stigma consists of certain attitudes, feelings and behaviors that lead to a negative label being forced upon an individual or group and is manifested in prejudice, discrimination, fear, distrust, and stereotyping (Kenny, 2001)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Deegan, P. (1993). Recovering our sense of value after being labeled. Psychosocial Nursing, 31 (4), 7-11.
Feeney Mahoney, D. & Cloutterbuck, J. (2005). African, American, Chinese, and Latino family caregivers' impressions of the onset and diagnosis of dementia. The Gerontologist, 45 (6), 783-793.
Kadri, N. & Manoudi, F. (2004). Stigma impact on Moroccan families of patient with schizophrenia. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 49 (9), 625-629.
Kenny, J. (2001). Cloaked in secrecy and shame. Canadian Nurse, 97 (1), 20-24.
Maher, T, (2000). Tackling the stigma of schizophrenia. Practice Nurse, 20 (8), 466-471.