Depression can lead to significant decline in individuals’ psychosocial functioning. Depression is also a stigmatized condition, both in terms of stigma perceived from society as well as internalized stigma. This study aims to understand the association of facets of depression-related stigma with domains of functioning among individuals with symptoms of depression and to determine cultural influences on these associations.
Participants (n = 314) from two broad cultural groups (Latin America; n = 185; Western English-speaking countries, n = 129) screening positive for a current Major Depressive Episode completed an online survey. Level of depression, as well as other variables likely to affect stigma and/or functioning, were controlled in all analyses.
Total stigma was inversely related to self-care (p = 0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.008), but not to productivity (p = 0.116). Regarding specific facets of stigma, self-stigma was inversely related to self-care (p = 0.002), social functioning (p < .001), and productivity (p = 0.019); secrecy was inversely related to self-care (p = 0.008); and stigmatizing experiences was inversely related to self-care (p < 0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.003). Culture did not moderate any relationships between facets of stigma and domains of functioning.
This paper adds to research on deleterious effects of mental health stigma. Findings suggest that some facets of stigma, such as internalized self-stigma, may affect functioning overall, whereas other components of stigma may only affect specific domains of functioning. The findings may inform both clinical approach to mental illness and anti-stigma campaigns, to improve the lives of individuals struggling with mental illness.
