Stigma Apprehension in Young People and Stigma Perception in Carers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploratory Study of Stigma Apprehension in Young People Admitted into an Adolescent In-patient Mental Health Unit and the Perception of Stigma by Their Carers
IRAS ID
144149
Contact name
Nseobong Nelly Iwobi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Studies in the adult population have shown that stigma is a barrier to access and sustained engagement with mental health services; however not all people with mental illness report feeling stigmatised. It is believed that the negative consequences of stigma become evident only when self- stigma occurs. Self-stigma is the process by which a person with a mental disorder
•Becomes aware of social stereotypes
•Agrees with them
•Applies stereotypes to self and
•Suffers lowered self-esteem.There are no validated instruments to assess stigma perception and self-stigma in young people. This study seeks to explore the degree of stigma apprehension in young people admitted in an adolescent psychiatric unit and the perception of stigma by their parents and carers. It will also attempt to identify any relationship between these 2 outcomes in order to gain some understanding of young peoples awareness of the stigma associated with mental health in their social context.
Inclusion criteria would be all capacious or competent, consenting and assenting young people aged 13 -17 years admitted into a tier 4 CAMHS over a period of 6 months. All acutely unwell patients and patients with learning and social communication difficulties which may impact on their ability to understand and effectively engage in the process will be excluded.
Administration of research information leaflets and consent /assent forms; and data collection will be carried out by the same investigator. Data will be collected prior to discharge Case Planning (CPA), using a validated 4 item questionnaire measuring stigma apprehension in young people and a validated 15 item questionnaire measuring extent to which carers of people with mental illness believe most people devalue consumers and their families.
Understanding of stigma apprehension in young people with mental illness would enable earlier identification and provision of focused interventions to reduce stigma effects, thereby enhancing overall outcomes.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0108
Date of REC Opinion
27 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion