Stigma and mental problems: Comparison of three countries

Abstract

Research has shown that prejudice and negative attitudes toward those who are experiencing mental illness are widespread, but those attitudes reduce the quality of life and recovery of individuals experiencing such problems In this article, we use a survey to evaluate the extent and causes of negative attitudes among the public in three countries: Iceland, the United States, and Germany Our results indicate the existence of widespread prejudice and negative attitudes in all three countries. We also show that people across the three countries are more negative toward individuals experiencing mental illness if they define the condition as an illness. Finally, the results indicate that prejudice and negative attitudes toward this group are less common in Iceland and in Germany than in the United States.