TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1999//
TI  - Public conceptions of mental illness: labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance
JO  - American journal of public health
A1  - Link, Bruce G.
A1  - Phelan, J. C.
A1  - Bresnahan, M.
A1  - Stueve, A.
A1  - Pescosolido, B. A.
SP  - 1328
EP  - 1333
VL  - 89
IS  - 9
N2  - OBJECTIVES: The authors used nationwide survey data to characterize current public conceptions related to recognition of mental illness and perceived causes, dangerousness, and desired social distance. METHODS: Data were derived from a vignette experiment included in the 1996 General Social Survey. Respondents (n = 1444) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 vignette conditions. Four vignettes described psychiatric disorders meeting diagnostic criteria, and the fifth depicted a "troubled person" with subclinical problems and worries. RESULTS: Results indicate that the majority of the public identifies schizophrenia (88%) and major depression (69%) as mental illnesses and that most report multicausal explanations combining stressful circumstances with biologic and genetic factors. Results also show, however, that smaller proportions associate alcohol (49%) or drug (44%) abuse with mental illness and that symptoms of mental illness remain strongly connected with public fears about potential violence and with a desire for limited social interaction. CONCLUSIONS: While there is reason for optimism in the public's recognition of mental illness and causal attributions, a strong stereotype of dangerousness and desire for social distance persist. These latter conceptions are likely to negatively affect people with mental illness.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0090-0036
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -