Do the stigma of mental illness and the stigma of non-suicidal self-injury intersect?

Abstract

Background: It is well-known that individuals with a mental illness (MI) are highly stigmatized. Oftentimes, the public views these individuals as blameworthy, and this often leads to discrimination, segregation, and avoidance of those with a MI. Due to high rates of stigmatization, individuals with MI often do not seek help for their issues. Stigmatization can also occur within the scope of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which refers to the deliberate damage of one’s tissue, without suicidal intent (e.g., cutting one’s skin). Often, MI and NSSI cooccur, however currently no research exists as to how the stigma of these two entities intersects. Purpose: To investigate whether the stigmatization of MI and NSSI intersect. In other words, is a person with a MI who engages in NSSI more stigmatized than one who does not self-harm? It was hypothesized that a person who has a MI and self-harms will be more stigmatized than an individual who has a MI, but does not engage in NSSI. Secondarily, is also hypothesized that stigma will manifest in different ways, depending on the disorder described. Based on the previous literature, it is likely that borderline personality disorder (BPD) will be more stigmatized than both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression (DEP), and that PTSD will be more stigmatized than DEP. [...]