Click to access the Public Perceptions of Schizophrenia Across Borders
Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking. Other symptoms include social withdrawal, decreased emotional expression, and lack of motivation. Social problems such as long-term unemployment, poverty, homelessness, exploitation, and victimization are common consequences. The root cause behind these problems is largely related to stigmatization of schizophrenic patients. Stigma is a broad and multi-directional concept which has been receiving increasing attention in psychiatric research and policymaking. It was first described by Gofmann as any physical, or social attribute or sign that devalues an actor’s social identity such that it disqualifies him or her from social acceptance (Goffman,1968). The stigmatization of mental illnesses has been on the public agenda for a long time since stigmatization negatively influences mental health, making recovery and social integration more difficult. This survey, sponsored by XSIGHTS and Toluna on behalf of ESOMAR Foundation, addressed public perception of Schizophrenia, stigmatization and social distance in six different countries across four continents.
The fieldwork was carried out in the USA, UK, South Africa, France, India and Brazil between 7 May and 16 May 2021, with a representative sample of 1500 adults in each country. Read more