Stigma and Discrimination in Addiction

Questions and Answers

What crucial aspect of health and illness is reflected through stigma according to social science perspectives?

It is primarily influenced by seasonal changes.

It is solely determined by biological factors.

It is based on geographical location alone.

It involves social conditions, norms, and values. (correct)

How does stigma commonly affect the treatment of individuals with addiction?

It guarantees better access to healthcare services.

It causes changes in societal perception and treatment. (correct)

It leads to improved empathy from health professionals.

It increases the likelihood of immediate recovery.

Which of the following statements best characterizes the individual's feelings towards their addiction as described?

They feel blamed for not seeking help despite being clean. (correct)

They are proud of their previous addiction.

They believe they had control over their addiction from the start.

They think stigma helps motivate recovery.

Which statement correctly identifies a consequence of stigma as discussed in the context of health care?

Stigma can result in decreased access to appropriate health services. Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does the quote about being an ex-addict mainly highlight?

The negative shift in perception of individuals who disclose their past addiction. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information presented, what is a significant element of stigma as a social process?

It has diverse experiences and varying consequences for different individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is internalised stigma?

The process of adopting negative beliefs about one's own group. Signup and view all the answers

How does anticipated stigma differ from internalised stigma?

Anticipated stigma refers to the fear of potential discrimination from others. Signup and view all the answers

What was the median age at death for males from an 'Asian/Asian British' background with multiple learning disabilities?

30 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups had the highest median age at death according to the provided data?

White British males Signup and view all the answers

What does the provided demographic data primarily highlight regarding healthcare access?

Systemic barriers faced by ethnic minorities with disabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible implication of the differences in median age at death among various ethnic groups with multiple learning disabilities?

The need for targeted healthcare interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stigma refers specifically to discrimination experienced directly by individuals?

Enacted stigma Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of stigma highlighted by social constructions?

Stigma varies across different cultural contexts. Signup and view all the answers

How does anticipated stigma affect health care behaviors?

It can lead to avoidance of health care services. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of institutionalised discrimination in the context of health care?

Reduced quality of health care provided to affected populations. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the internal acceptance of stigma, where individuals view themselves negatively?

Internalised stigma Signup and view all the answers

What does intersectionality primarily explain in the context of stigma?

How different social categories can compound systems of disadvantage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT contribute to health issues arising from stigma?

Increased social support Signup and view all the answers

Which identities can intersect to produce severe systems of disadvantage?

Sexuality, wealth, gender, and race. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the suggested methods for mitigating stigma?

Awareness raising and education. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how are health and health care characterized?

They are influenced by ideologies and biases. Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome does intersectionality suggest for individuals with multiple stigmatised identities?

They may face more severe forms of stigma. Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the concept of intersectionality?

Kimberlé Crenshaw. Signup and view all the answers

What type of programs can help address stigma according to anti-stigma interventions?

Peer support and contact programs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'political' relate to regarding health and healthcare?

It involves governmental and public affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between enacted stigma and felt stigma?

Enacted stigma refers to actual discrimination, while felt stigma involves the internalization of that potential discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes structural discrimination?

Discrimination embedded in laws and customs that affects access and opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

In the study mentioned, what percentage of participants disclosed their epilepsy to employers prior to taking a job?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What does 'personally mediated discrimination' refer to?

Unfair treatment that occurs in personal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals with epilepsy choose to conceal their condition?

To prevent social isolation and the fear of discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common way individuals with epilepsy explain their seizures to avoid stigma?

They refer to seizures as fainting spells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of high felt stigma among individuals with epilepsy?

An increase in the burden of silence regarding their condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about stigma is incorrect?

Stigma arises solely from personal biases and not societal influences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stigma and Discrimination Overview

Stigma influences perceptions and treatment of individuals labeled as addicts or ex-addicts.
Stigma functions as a social process, affecting individual experiences and healthcare outcomes.
Recognizing stigma's social nature is crucial to understanding its impacts on health.

Understanding Health and Illness

Health encompasses biological, social conditions, norms, and values.
Experiences of illness vary based on the meanings ascribed to conditions by society.

Process of Stigma

Perceived difference leads to the ascription of negative traits that devalue individuals.
Example: Epilepsy is often misunderstood, leading to stigmatization as contagious.

Types of Stigma

Enacted stigma includes direct experiences of discrimination, avoidance, and exclusion.
Felt stigma involves fear and shame associated with anticipated reactions from others.

Discrimination Framework

Personally mediated discrimination manifests in interpersonal interactions.
Structural discrimination occurs when stigma is embedded in laws and policies, impacting access to resources.

Internalized and Anticipated Stigma

Internalized stigma involves adopting negative societal beliefs about one’s identity.
Anticipated stigma reflects the expectation of future discrimination or stigmatization.

Health Disparities

Life expectancy varies significantly based on ethnicity; individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities face shorter life spans.
Example: Median age at death for Asian males with learning disabilities is 30, while White British counterparts is 59.

Intersectionality of Stigma

Stigma is compounded by intersecting identities (race, gender, sexuality, wealth), leading to heightened disadvantages.
Social categories can create complex experiences of stigma that differ among individuals.

Political Context of Health

Health and healthcare are influenced by political ideologies and belief systems.
Awareness and analysis of these biases are necessary for understanding healthcare disparities.

Anti-Stigma Interventions

Strategies to combat stigma include education, awareness campaigns, training programs, and peer support.
Language plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and can be used as a tool for destigmatization.

Impact of Stigma on Health

Stigmatization can lead to avoidance of healthcare and diminished quality of care.
Experience of stigma contributes to physical and mental health deterioration.

Stigma is socially constructed; what is considered stigmatizing can change across contexts.
Goffman's work highlights how individuals are marked as inferior, resulting in various stigma-related experiences that impact health.

Contact for Further Inquiry

Contact: [email protected] for questions or comments regarding stigma and healthcare.

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Description

This quiz delves into the complex issues of stigma and discrimination faced by individuals dealing with addiction. It draws on insights from Dr. Andy Guise, a senior lecturer in Social Science and Health, exploring the effects of societal perceptions on treatment and recovery. Test your understanding of these crucial social issues today.