Question

Unfortunately, in America, many disorders and mental health conditions often come with labels and stigma. Which of the following would be categorized as stigma?

a) Social isolation
b) None of the above
c) Social disapproval
d) Discrimination

Answer 1

Social isolation, social disapproval, and discrimination are all categorizations of stigma. Stigma results in negative labeling and discriminatory treatment, leading to social exclusion that can significantly affect individuals with mental health conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The options that would be categorized as stigma are social isolation, social disapproval, and discrimination. Stigma involves the negative labeling and treatment of individuals based on their condition or disorder, which can lead to various forms of exclusion or discrimination. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman described stigma as a phenomenon that hinders individuals with an illness from fully integrating into society, where the illness becomes a marked identity, leading to social disapproval and isolation.

People with disabilities, particularly those with mental health conditions, often face social isolation because their identity is affected by the stigma associated with their condition. They become known as 'the blind girl' or 'the boy in the wheelchair', failing to be seen in the fullness of their identity. This stigma can be so pervasive that it affects the kind of care they receive, access to facilities, and their willingness to seek help, which in turn, exacerbates their condition.