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Self-stigma experiences among older adults with mental health problems residing in long term care facilities: a qualitative study

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

Self-stigma is linked with a variety of deleterious consequences for the stigmatised individual. Much of the past research on self-stigma focuses on younger adults; however, little is known about the self-stigma experience among institutionalised older adults with mental health problems. This study aims to explore experiences of self-stigma among older adults with mental health problems in long-term care facilities. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted. Insight into mental illness was identified as having a key influence upon the self-stigma experiences among this group. Participants shared common understandings, views, and behavioural reactions towards mental health problems. Lacking control, public stigma, sympathy, disinterest, avoidance, and fear were key themes among them. Re-conceptualising self-stigma theories and implementing interventions that aim at reducing stigmatising attitudes among this group are essential.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 403-410

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Issues in Mental Health Nursing (Volume 39, Issue 5)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 29/12/2017

Publication status

Published - 29/12/2017

ISSN

0161-2840

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622929
  • Scopus: 85039726674

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