The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change

Author:   Stephen P. Hinshaw (Professor of Psychology, Professor of Psychology, University of California)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press Inc
ISBN:  

9780199730926


Pages:   344
Publication Date:   24 March 2011
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   To order   Availability explained
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The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change


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Overview

"Millions of people and their families are affected by mental illness; it causes untold pain and severely impairs their ability to function in the world. In recent years, we have begun to understand and develop a range of effective treatments for mental illness. Even with this shift from moralistic views to those emphasizing the biological and genetic origins of mental illness, punitive treatment and outright rejection remain strong. Public attitudes toward mental illness are still more negative than they were half a century ago, and the majority of those afflicted either do not receive or cannot afford adequate care. As a result of all of these troubling facts, applying the term ""stigma"" to mental illness is particularly appropriate because stigma conveys the mark of shame borne by those in any highly devalued group. Mental illness tops the list of stigmatized conditions in current society, generating the kinds of stereotypes, fear, and rejection that are reminiscent of longstanding attitudes toward leprosy. Mental disorders threaten stability and order, and media coverage exacerbates this situation by equating mental illness with violence. As a result, stigma is rampant, spurring family silence, discriminatory laws, and social isolation. The pain of mental illness is searing enough, but adding the layer of stigma affects personal well being, economic productivity, and public health, fueling a vicious cycle of lowered expectations, deep shame, and hopelessness. In this groundbreaking book, Stephen Hinshaw examines the longstanding tendency to stigmatize those with mental illness. He also provides practical strategies for overcoming this serious problem, including enlightened social policies that encourage, rather than discourage, contact with those afflicted, media coverage emphasizing their underlying humanity, family education, and responsive treatment. The Mark of Shame is a deeply inspiring and passionate work that is realistic and filled with hope. It combines personal accounts with information from social and evolutionary psychology, sociology, and public policy to provide messages that are essential for anyone afflicted or familiar with mental illness."

Full Product Details

Author:   Stephen P. Hinshaw (Professor of Psychology, Professor of Psychology, University of California)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press Inc
Imprint:   Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 16.50cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.60cm
Weight:   0.499kg
ISBN:  

9780199730926


ISBN 10:   019973092
Pages:   344
Publication Date:   24 March 2011
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order   Availability explained
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: What is Mental Disorder and What is Stigma? Chapter 2: Perspectives from Social Psychology, Sociology, and Evolutionary Psychology Chapter 3: Historical Perspectives on Mental Illness and Stigma Chapter 4: Modern Conceptions of Mental Disorder Chapter 5: Evidence from Scientific Investigations Chapter 6: Indicators of Stigma from Everyday Life Chapter 7: Stigma of Mental Illness: An Integration Chapter 8: Research Directions and Priorities Chapter 9: Overcoming Stigma I: Legislation, Policy, and Community Efforts Chapter 10: Overcoming Stigma II: Media and Mental Health Professionals Chapter 11: Overcoming Stigma III: Families and Individuals Chapter 12: Concluding Issues References

Reviews

Everyone needs to understand the pervasiveness of stigma, its effects and how it may be countered. This splendid book provides much the best discussion of the issues--being empirically solid but also personally compassionate, as well as realistic in its expectations. It is also a very good read. --Professor Sir Michael Rutter, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry Particularly thought-provoking is the chapter related to media portrayals of individuals with psychiatric disorders, including examples of powerful interventions by groups attempting to illustrate the prejudice many hold against the mentally ill, as well as suggestions for marketing strategies to eliminate the bias against the population. The book further illustrates the sad and troubling fact that those with mental illness remain second-class citizens despite their ever-growing numbers in the general population. --Doody's The content of this book is broad, deep, and fascinating...Hinshaw's skills as a writer cannot be overstated. He uses a mixture of technical and lay language to paint a picture of stigma across the ages that is thoroughly enjoyable to read despite its often distressing content. In addition to being a professor of psychology, Hinshaw comes across as a passionate historian and humanitarian. --Claire M. Kelly, Ph.D., in New England Journal of Medicine


Author Information

Stephen P. Hinshaw is Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of California-Berkeley.

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