Interpersonal contact and the stigma of mental illness: A review of the literature

Abstract

Title: Interpersonal contact and the stigma of mental illness: A review of the literature Background. Stigmatization of mental illness is widespread in Western societies ( Crisp et al., 2001 ) and other cultures ( Chung et al., 2001 ). Furthermore, researchers have found that stigma is detrimental to the well being of persons with a mental illness ( Wahl, 1999 ), potentially resulting in decreased life satisfaction and discrimination in obtaining housing and employment ( Link & Phelan, 2001 ). It is for these reasons researchers have sought methods for reducing stigma. Aims: One strategy purported to reduce stigma is interpersonal contact with people with a mental illness. This article reviews the literature of contact and stigma reduction and provides considerations and recommendations for future research. Method: A thorough review of article databases was conducted to identify all relevant studies. Studies were then grouped into retrospective and prospective reports of contact. Conclusions: Research shows that both retrospective and prospective contact tends to reduce stigmatizing views of persons with a mental illness. However, this literature has been plagued with various methodological problems, and other factors (such as the nature of the contact) have rarely been considered. Declaration of interest: None

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