The Stigma of Mental Illness: Models and Methods of Stigma Reduction

The Stigma of Mental Illness by Keith Dobson and Heather Stuart examines stigma as one of the most significant barriers to care and recovery for people living with mental health and related disorders. Stigma manifests through negative beliefs, discrimination, self-stigma, and systemic policies that create inequality, often proving more debilitating than the mental health conditions themselves. Grounded in the work of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), this book documents the development and impact of the Opening Minds initiative—the largest coordinated anti-stigma effort in Canadian history. By combining theory, evidence, and real-world application, the book provides a comprehensive and practical framework for understanding and reducing mental health stigma across diverse settings and populations.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Exploration of Stigma: Examines personal, social, institutional, and structural dimensions of mental health stigma.
• Evidence-Based Framework: Draws on research, theories of change, and best practices developed through the MHCC’s Opening Minds program.
• Practical Strategies for Stigma Reduction: Offers actionable approaches applicable to healthcare, workplaces, education, and community settings.
• Policy and Program Insights: Documents large-scale, systematic efforts to design, evaluate, and implement anti-stigma initiatives.
• Global Relevance: Provides adaptable models and lessons applicable across cultures, contexts, and countries.
• Interdisciplinary Appeal: Valuable for mental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates.

Product Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2021
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0197572596
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0197572597