Table 1.

The Cognitive and Behavioral Constructions of Mental Illness Stigma.

CONSTRUCTS		DEFINITIONS		EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC STIGMA	EXAMPLES OF SELF-STIGMA
COGNITIVE	Stereotypes	Beliefs about groups learned while growing up in a specific society		Danger: People with mental illnesses are unpredictable and potentially violent. Responsible: They are to blame for their mental illnesses Incompetent: They are unable to do anything but the most menial of jobs. Benevolence: People with mental illnesses are childlike and innocent; as a result, they need an authority (e.g., parent or psychiatrist) to make decisions about goals and treatments.	Yes, I am dangerous, blameworthy, incompetent and childlike, and hence… suffer low self-esteem (I am not worthy of a normal life.) endure lower self-efficacy (I am not able to achieve a normal life.)
	Prejudice	Attitudes about groups. N.B. Prejudice also has emotional aspects.
BEHAVIORAL	Discrimination	The behavioral consequences of prejudice		Loss of opportunity: for example, refuse to hire or rent to a person with mental illness. Failure to support: do not endorse more government funds for mental health services. Take away empowerment: exclude the person with mental illness from determination of life goals. Coerce people into services Segregation: direct people to institutions removed from their community (e.g., sending the person to the state hospital, or busing people to psychiatric ghettos.)	Experience the Why Try effect Why should I try to get a good job? I am not worthy of it. Why should I try to find a nice apartment? I am unable to manage it.