An anti-oppressive analysis of stigma toward persons with schizophrenia

Despite the growing movements to improve public attitudes toward mental health, schizophrenia remains a heavily stigmatized mental illness. The stigma greatly impacts the lives of individuals with schizophrenia, who often internalize the stigma they experience. This paper uses an anti-oppressive social work perspective to examine the general themes that influence stigma against persons with schizophrenia, which include the myth of violence and dangerousness and biogenetic cause. In addition, this paper highlights stigma-reduction interventions that have shown to be effective in research, such as educational interventions and contact interventions.