Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Genetic Counseling

Although there is an abundant amount of research highlighting internalized and associative stigma, studies focusing on the degree of prejudice about mental illness in individuals who do not have close contact to someone with a diagnosed mental illness is limited. With a specific focus on the concept of prejudice driving discriminatory behavior, this study had three specific aims to address this gap in literature; 1. Identify stigmatizing thoughts and attitudes individuals have towards diagnosed mental illness. 2. Assess understanding of causes and risk factors for mental illness. 3. Evaluate the impact of an educational video explaining the multifactorial inheritance of psychiatric illness on attitudes and knowledge about mental illness. To meet these aims, potential study participants were identified and recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Potential participants were screened using worker qualifications that allowed pre-vetting of participants using a list of screener questions. Inclusion criteria was comprised of the following: 1. Participants must be over the age of 18, 2. Participants must live in the United States and Canada, 3. Participants must have access to the internet, 4. Participants must have the ability to read English, 5. Participants must not have a personal history of a diagnosed mental illness, and 6. Participants must not have a first-degree family member with a diagnosed mental illness. Once eligible participants were identified, individuals were invited to participate in the study which was administered online using RedCap. Among 181 individuals screened; 106 individuals completed the entire survey. Participants viewed a 4-minute info-graphic video highlighting the jar model analogy and the complex inheritance of mental illness. They also completed pre- and post-video surveys with questions measuring prejudicial views towards people with a mental illness using the Prejudice towards People with Mental Illness (PPMI) scale and factua (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Amber Aeilts (Committee Member); Jehannine Austin Dr. (Committee Member); Dawn Allain (Advisor) Subjects: Genetics; Health Care

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2022, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Counselor Education

Mental illness stigma can be understood as social disapproval directed at those who either experience mental illness or those who seek out professional help for emotional distress. This social disapproval can appear in many ways, such as through stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination. When mental illness stigma is held by mental health professionals, it is impacted by contact with those who experience mental illness in a therapeutic setting along with potential burnout. This can in turn affect those who seek professional help for mental illness in many ways, such as through rifts in the therapeutic relationship, treatment avoidance, gaps in care, and feelings of shame, discouragement, or embarrassment. Mental health professionals may not intentionally cause harm to mental health consumers, but by not acknowledging or exploring their own stigma, the harm inflicted on those who experience mental illness through stigmatizing thoughts, attitudes, and actions is inevitable. Despite the seriousness of professional stigma, the counseling profession is lacking in research understanding mental illness stigma. Only five research articles explicitly survey or even review mental illness stigma held by counselors, and while each study provides a bit of insight relevant to counselors, each study also contains major limitations that restrict what is understood about counselor's held stigma. In order to address these limitations, the current study determined the severity of mental illness stigma endorsed by counselors and investigated the relationship between demographic factors and endorsed mental illness stigma. A cross-sectional survey design was implemented in this study. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-9), the Opening Mind Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC), and the Short Form Scale of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). The AQ-9 was used to measure attitudes toward serious mental illn (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Mei Tang Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Andrew Wood Ph.D. (Committee Member); Liliana Rojas-Guyler Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

This study examines the social and cultural considerations in accessing mental health treatment in The Gambia, West Africa. Participants were recruited from The Gambia for a qualitative study that included semistructured interviews (N = 17). A team of analysts identified five themes. The results highlighted social and cultural conceptualizations of mental health and mental illness, sociocultural determinants of health, interventions, barriers to care, and the legal framework to support mental health change. These findings are important for counselors to understand different perceptions of mental health and mental illness and the associated stigma. Furthermore, several opportunities for advocacy in The Gambia have resulted from this study.

Committee: Colin Ward PhD (Committee Chair); Stephanie Thorson-Olesen PhD (Committee Member); John Conteh EdD (Committee Member) Subjects: Cognitive Therapy; Counseling Education; Counseling Psychology; Psychotherapy

Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, 2012, Psychology, Clinical

The present study examined whether stigma toward individuals with mental illness will evidence itself in job performance evaluations. To enhance this potential effect of mental illness stigma, an additional “difference” of race was included as a factor that may affect perception of functioning and attitude towards the individual with a mental illness diagnosis. Additionally, general professed attitudes towards mental illness and direct attitudes when one is exposed to an individual with a mental illness diagnosis were considered. Participants were drawn from the undergraduate population of a midsize private university and responded to three questionnaires after viewing a video clip of an individual experiencing a moderately stressful day at work. Half the participants were given the information that the individual they viewed was undergoing treatment for a mental illness, and the other half were not given this information. Some of the participants viewed an actor of the same race, while the others viewed an actor of a different race. Data were analyzed by condition and race. The results of this study did not support the hypotheses. Contrary to expectations, information that the actor had been diagnosed with a mental illness did not influence job ratings or attitudes toward mental illness. Similarly, results indicated that participants' evaluations were not affected by similarities and differences in the races of the observed and the observer. Finally, attitudes to mental illness generally did predict participants' direct attitudes toward an individual who was presented as having a mental illness. Prior contact and experience with individuals with mental illness did not moderate these results. Possible explanations for the outcome of the study are discussed.

Committee: Carolyn Phelps PhD (Committee Chair); Lee Dixon PhD (Committee Member); Matthew Montoya PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Psychology; Social Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Journalism (Communication)

This research assesses the effects of media richness on journalism students' attitudes and readiness to report on mental illness ethically and accurately. Due to the ongoing inaccurate and sensationalized depictions of mental illness in media, future journalists must be trained to combat these issues. This study engaged 280 U.S. journalism students in a posttest-only experimental design. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions through Qualtrics: rich media with a narrated slide deck, moderate media with a non-narrated slide deck, and lean media with a static text page. Results indicated no significant difference in attitudes, self-efficacy, or intentions between the groups, challenging the predicted educational advantage of rich media. These findings suggest alternative factors – such as individual motivation – might also influence learning outcomes. This study calls for further inquiry into rich media educational methods to prepare journalism students to tackle subjects like mental health in their future careers.

Committee: Parul Jain (Advisor); Greg Newton (Committee Member); Kimberly Rios (Committee Member); Robert Stewart (Committee Member) Subjects: Journalism; Mass Communications; Mass Media; Mental Health

Bachelor of Arts, Wittenberg University, 2023, Psychology

The present study investigated the negative perceptions and prejudice between religious and non-religious groups, and how these overlap with mental health stigma. Atheists are considered one of America's most detested groups and are perceived as untrustworthy and a threat to moral values due to having no religious beliefs. Within some religious groups, people with mental illness are perceived as being demonically influenced, lacking true faith, and being disobedient to their religious doctrine. Using an online survey platform, participants (N = 175) completed mental illness prevalence rating questionaries for four religious and non-religious groups: Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Atheist/ Non-Religious targets. Participants also completed a religiosity questionnaire, competence and warmth scale, and mental health stigma measure. Religious groups were more likely to give higher mental illness ratings to atheists and lower mental illness ratings to other religious groups, and religious groups gave atheists higher competence and lower warmth ratings. Further research can explore mental health stigma in the context of religion and prejudice toward different religious and non-religious groups.

Committee: William Davis (Advisor); Travis Proctor (Committee Member); Stephanie Little (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Psychology; Religion; Social Psychology

BS, Kent State University, 2022, College of Aeronautics and Engineering

As the global economy has grown and regions throughout the world have become more connected, air transportation holds a significant role in its ability to bring people and products together. In addition, the air domain is important and essential for the delivery of emergency and humanitarian aid relief. Aircraft can quickly transport medical supplies and organs, especially in situations where access is a problem. However, with these many positives, the aviation domain, unfortunately, has become more stressful for everyone involved. Crew members are expected to have extensive training, as well as the skills and confidence to appropriately handle any situation. Moreover, pilots need to pay attention to weather, airport conditions, state of their aircraft, and also be mindful of other aircraft flying in the vicinity. Flight crew must maintain a constant awareness of any issues to make necessary reforms, and sometimes quick decisions, without hesitation. Terrorism immediately comes to mind for many people in thinking about threats to flight safety. However, psychological problems among pilots may pose additional threats of their own. For clarity, the term “psychological problems” will be used synonymously alongside those of the like such as “mental illness,” “mental health condition,” “psychiatric condition,” and more. Regardless of the terminology used, the idea is to understand the outcome of such can be catastrophic. With cycles of stigma existing in the aviation domain, pilots have been reluctant to disclose mental health problems for fear of losing their certification to fly. Many pilots may be managing depressive symptoms without treatment due to fear of negative career impacts. In fact, experts found, “Underreporting of mental health symptoms and diagnoses is probable among airline pilots due to the public stigma of mental illness and fear among pilots of being ‘grounded' or not fit for duty” (as cited in Wu et al., 2016, p. 2). On the other hand, C (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jason Lorenzon J.D. (Advisor) Subjects: Psychology; Transportation

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Wright State University, 2014, School of Professional Psychology

There is a gap in the current literature concerning the study of university students with mental illness. Particularly, very few qualitative studies have been conducted in which interviews with university students with mental illness have yielded knowledge about the population's experiences and needs. The present study, employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, was designed to promote a more accurate perception of the lives of university students with mental illness by allowing the voices of members of this group to be heard. Eight matriculating university students who self-identified with mental illness participated in this exploratory PAR initiative. The study involved open-ended questioning of participants through mixed methods including a demographics sheet, self-administered questionnaire, and focus group interviews. Results reflected numerous salient themes based on both written and verbal interactions with participants. For instance, potential barriers to success and suggestions for ways to best serve university students with mental illness were revealed. Also, mental health stigma and disability issues were addressed. Implications for future research and action are discussed.

Committee: Julie Williams Psy.D., CRC, ABPP (Committee Chair); Robert Rando Ph.D., ABPP (Committee Member); Erendira Lopez-Garcia Psy.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Adult Education; Clinical Psychology; Continuing Education; Counseling Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Education; Educational Psychology; Health Care; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Mental Health; Psychology; Public Health

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2010, Social Welfare

This study employed grounded theory methodology and a three-stage analytic strategy to advance conceptual frameworks regarding fundamental transformation in mental health service delivery systems. The emergence of consumer provider (CP) models represents one manifestation of systemic transformation within mental health systems. Yet, while CP models enjoy a growing base of both advocacy declarations and supporting efficacy research, research also shows CP models are not broadly adopted. Individual interviews with 40 mental health providers (including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, therapists, case managers, and administrators) were completed to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives regarding CP models of service delivery. Findings from a multi-dimensional analysis include identification of 49 first level thematic codes (presented with constituting participant quotes), construction of four axial codes (or higher level constructs for grounded theory formation), and composition of narrative plot lines that anticipate transformative potential grounded in participant discourse. The essential plot line proposes that mental health providers construe their work in terms of both professional roles and human relationships. When providers consider CP models through a professional roles lens, they struggle with the notion that people with mental illnesses could consistently manage the gauntlet of mental health services, policies, and funding demands, fulfill ultimate responsibility for vulnerable others, and maintain uni-directional relationships expected in professionalism. However, providers also acknowledged the value of having been there; that people with mental illnesses do often have deeper understanding and credibility regarding navigation of stigma, labeling, and isolation. Study participants identified social isolation as a significant challenge associated with mental illnesses and mutual human relationships as an essential vehicle for improved mental h (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Elizabeth Tracy PhD (Committee Chair); Jerry Floersch PhD (Committee Member); David Biegel PhD (Committee Member); Martha Sajatovic PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Social Research; Social Work

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2023, Psychology/Clinical

Stigmatization of people experiencing mental illness remains prevalent in the United States. Social stigma can result in negative outcomes for people with mental illness such as limited access to housing and employment and reduced well-being. Both social contact interventions and art exhibits may reduce stigma towards mental illness, and art making may increase feelings of self-efficacy and belongingness among people with mental illness. The present mixed methods research examined the perspectives of both artists who post their work and potential viewers in online interactions about art and mental illness intended to reduce stigma. Study 1 used qualitative interview methods with artists experiencing mental illness who post publicly about their experiences on Instagram (N = 17). Themes from interviews related broadly to art (History and Identity as an Artist, Art Career, and Art and Mental Health), mental health (Symptoms, External Barriers, Protective Factors, and Treatment), and social media (Benefits and Motivations, Risks, and Online Disclosure). Study 2 consisted of a randomized controlled trial of an asynchronous, online social contact intervention to reduce stigma towards mental illness (N = 318). Groups 1-3 viewed intervention posts created by Study 1 artists about mental illness (art and writing posts, art-only posts, or writing-only posts) and Group 4 viewed matched comparison posts not about mental illness. Study 2 results showed that participants in the intervention groups reported significantly higher mental health awareness, general sympathy, and appreciation for people with mental illness than those in the comparison group. All groups had a significant decrease in prejudice. Participants' perceptions of posts as confusing or compelling mediated the relationship between the type of post and their ratings of state empathy. Implications for the development of cost-effective online interventions to reduce stigma towards mental illness are discus (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Catherine Stein Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Brooks Vostal Ph.D. (Other); Dryw Dworsky Ph.D. (Committee Member); Dale Klopfer Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Experiments; Fine Arts; Mass Communications; Psychology; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Research

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2023, Health Programs

Individuals with a mental illness is a group that is considered a vulnerable and underserved population. They face bias, discrimination, and stigma. This is not only by those in their own communities, but also by those who work in the healthcare profession. Individuals with a mental illness have become homeless, jailed, or reside in nursing homes. Much of this was due to the deinstitutionalization of the mental hospitals. Stigma is a cause for unequal treatment and/or inadequate care towards people with a mental illness. It is also believed that the younger a person is, the more diverse or empathetic that individual will be towards those who are different then him/her (Gaidhani et al., 2019). This study focused on residents diagnosed with a mental illness that reside in the nursing homes. The staff in these facilities are trained to aid those that are elderly and need assistance with basic life skills, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and mobility, but lack the ability to complete some or all of these modalities without assistance. The staff lack the knowledge and training to deal with the idiosyncrasies and behaviors of those with a mental illness (Molinari et al., 2017). This study examined if there was a difference in stigma between the different generations, working in nursing homes, towards those with a mental illness.

Committee: Gail Frankle (Committee Chair); Jesse Florang (Committee Member); Jennifer Harris (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Care Management

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2020, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

Stigma toward individuals with eating disorders is common and well-documented. Individuals with eating disorders regularly report experiencing stigma associated with perceptions that they are to blame for their illness, that their illness is trivial compared to other conditions, or that they are engaging in disordered behavior to gain attention. These stigmatizing attitudes toward eating disorders are also reported by the general public and healthcare professionals, including those who treat eating disorders. Treatment of these illnesses at all levels of care often include paternalistic approaches such as coercion and compulsion that can have both adverse and advantageous consequences. While there are ethical, clinical, and legal justifications for these treatment approaches, this study provides a novel exploration of the relationships between stigma toward individuals with eating disorders and coercive and compulsive treatment. This was accomplished using a survey methodology to assess the attitudes and treatment practices of treatment providers across the United States. The results of this study suggest that there is no significant relationship between treatment providers' attitudes toward individuals with eating disorders and coercive or compulsive treatment methods. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed and center on the need for additional inquiry to better understand the complexities of these two variables in light of the ongoing debate concerning the risks and v benefits of coercive and compulsive treatment. This dissertation is available open access at AURA, http://aura.antioch.edu and Ohio Link ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu

Committee: Chris Heffner Psy.D., Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Shannon Albert Psy.D. (Committee Member); Cara Dalbey Psy.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Ethics; Health Care; Mental Health; Psychology; Quantitative Psychology; Social Psychology

Bachelor of Science of Communication Studies (BSC), Ohio University, 2020, Communication Studies

The majority of individuals who engage with the criminal justice system go through a quick, standardized, impersonal process of adjudication (Feeley, 1979; McCoy, 2003; Odegaard 2007; Sherwin, 2009). In select courts, however, alternative programs called specialized dockets exist to better serve the needs of convicted individuals who may be particularly susceptible to prison or jail re-entry (Castellano, 2017; Fisler, 2005; Moore & Hiday, 2006). The present study explores a case study of two specialized docket programs in Appalachian United States with analysis guided by communicative theories of performance, narrative, and stigma. The findings demonstrate that program participants navigate stigma and enact parts of their identities in the program through performing different “selves” for the courtroom staff and peer participants. The findings also suggest that informal peer interactions and performances—which primarily took the form of sharing—had the most significant impact on a participant's identity work in the program.

Committee: Laura Black (Advisor) Subjects: Communication; Political Science

MA, Kent State University, 2020, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Sociology and Criminology

Using data from the 2006 General Social Survey (effective N=752), I analyze the relationship between cohorts and the perceived social stigma of mental illness. I synthesize Elder's (1994) life course perspective and Arnett's (2000; 2007) theory of emerging adulthood, applying them to the historic context of public mental illness stigma in the United States. Focusing on three relevant periods of historic change: pre-1945 (pre-WWII), 1946-1979 (early activism), and post-1980 (post-NAMI), I find that younger cohorts perceive less mental illness stigma than older cohorts due to differentially stigmatizing socio-historic contexts during their respective formative years (birth to emerging adulthoods). This thesis contributes to the literature by highlighting the negative impacts of perceived stigma, addressing a gap in current research on how perceived stigma systematically varies between social categories (e.g., cohorts), and extending the application of life course perspectives to the sociology of mental health

Committee: Kristen Marcussen (Advisor); Richard Adams (Committee Member); Timothy Owens (Committee Member) Subjects: Sociology

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2019, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Mental healthcare facilities in the United States have come a long way from their inhumane beginnings, but some problems have persisted that continue to make successful treatment and crisis intervention difficult to attain for many. Treatment facilities can be intimidating, invoking senses of shame or fear in a patient population that is already victimized by social stigma. The divide in building typology for such facilities showcases a paralleled divide that also exists in treatment approaches. Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment facilities are criticized as being overly clinical, whereas more patient-friendly crisis respite facilities can offer a less intimidating, more approachable option for clients experiencing a crisis. An evaluation of the history of care, the architecture where treatment took place, and social perception of care helps inform decisions of what a mental healthcare center could be. Thoughtful use of typology, program, architectural style, and relationship with the community have the power to influence the perception of mental healthcare. These decisions are not only appropriate but necessary to increase the efficacy and improve the perception of mental healthcare. While policy, society, and stigma cannot be directly changed or completely resolved through design, architectural choices can address these issues and encourage change.

Committee: Ed Mitchell M.Arch (Committee Chair); Vincent Sansalone M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

PHD, Kent State University, 2019, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Sociology and Criminology

The literature on mental illness stigma is expansive, however the bulk of research has focused on cultural and personal level factors such as perceptions of public attitudes toward stigmatized individuals and discrimination experiences. One aspect of stigma research that remains understudied is structural stigma. Structural stigma considers the ways in which larger social structures and cultural contexts can impact understandings of mental illness. Macro level factors, such as institutional policies and investment in public resources, play an important role in shaping public attitudes towards mental illness. Public attitudes in turn can influence the internalization process of the stigmatized identity. As such, structural stigma may play a pivotal role in the stigma process. In this dissertation, I examine the relationships among structural stigma (e.g., restrictive legislation, health care policies, media campaigns), cultural stigma (e.g., public perceptions of mental illness) and personal stigma (e.g., experienced discrimination and internalized stigma) for individuals who identify as having a mental illness. The first goal of my research was to examine the relationship between structural stigma and well-being among individuals who identify as having mental health problems, focusing specifically on two central outcome measures in stigma research: quality of life and attitudes towards seeking mental health treatment. The second goal of this research was to examine the relationships between structural stigma and more commonly examined types of stigma including cultural stigma and personal stigma. Data for this study come from several sources. I conducted a web-based survey to examine cultural and personal level stigma, as well as quality of life and attitudes toward treatment seeking. To assess structural stigma, I used several secondary data sources which were then combined with the web-based survey in order to simultaneously examine multiple levels of stigm (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kristen Marcussen (Advisor); Richard Adams (Committee Member); Richard Serpe (Committee Member); Jeffery Ciesla (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Sociology

PHD, Kent State University, 2019, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Sociology and Criminology

Approximately 5 million American adults will experience some form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in their lifetime, with roughly 2-3% of the U.S. population experiencing clinical OCD. In terms of mental illness, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder currently ranks as one of the top four mental illnesses worldwide, however, it is relatively understudied in the sociological literature. Using a 2018, non-probability national survey, involving targeted quota samples of 543 individuals (identifying as having OCD only, OCD and Anxiety, OCD and Depression, and having all three OCD, Depression, and Anxiety), this dissertation research examines OCD as a mental illness identity, investigating how individuals with OCD view their illness in terms of both identity salience (how frequently an individual invokes their OCD identity) and identity prominence (how important the individual's OCD identity is to him or herself). Additionally, this research explores how an individual with OCD's self-esteem, in terms of authenticity (how “real” an individual feels their OCD identity is when activated) influences stigma resistance, particularly in the form of challenging behaviors. Results suggest that despite having a highly stigmatized mental illness, individuals with OCD experience an increased likelihood of identity prominence and salience in their mental illness identity. However, as one's OCD symptoms increases, results suggest that individuals are more likely to experience a decrease in their mental illness authenticity. Additionally, findings indicate that the number of reported OCD symptoms appears to be lower for those suffering from OCD and other comorbid mental illness, in comparison to those only suffering from OCD. These and further findings are discussed in the dissertation, as well as limitations and potential future investigations.

Committee: Richard T. Serpe Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Kristen Marcussen Ph.D. (Committee Member); Richard E. Adams Ph.D. (Committee Member); Carla Goar Ph.D. (Committee Member); Christopher Flessner Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Sociology

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2018, Journalism (Communication)

Stigma against the mentally ill is pervasive in our society and on college campuses. Video can be an effective contact-based method to dispel this stigma. This study examined the impact of a video featuring three Ohio University students who self- identified as having anxiety disorders telling their stories of life with these illnesses. A total of 47 other students were in the study with 30 being part of a control group which did not see the video, 11 watching the video in its entirety and 6 being excluded from the study for watching less than 190 seconds of the video. Icek Ajzen's theory of planned behavior was used to contextualize the outcome which found that people who watched the video had a high level of behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control and were more likely to help people with an anxiety disorder than people who did not watch the video. They also had less desired social distance from people with anxiety disorders. The findings suggest that the video and filmed contact methods for interaction with the mentally ill are effective in combatting stigma.

Committee: Jatin Srivastava (Advisor); Bernard Debatin (Committee Member); Parul Jain (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Communication; Mental Health; Psychology

BA, Oberlin College, 2018, Sociology

Previous research shows that mental health issues often manifest in the late teens and early twenties, the age of many college students (Kessler et al., 2007). This report is a case study about mental illness at Oberlin College. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the subculture of Oberlin may incentivize students to maintain their identity with mental illness. Three hundred and eighty-four Oberlin students were surveyed about their perception of conversations around mental illness and behaviors of mentally ill students at Oberlin. In fifty semi-structured interviews, students were asked to elaborate on how they came to identify with mental illness and factors that may contribute to poor mental health on campus. My results support my hypothesis that while students do not feel as though mental illness is stigmatized at Oberlin, the subculture on campus incentivizes people to prioritize self-image over mental health. An identity with mental illness at Oberlin can give students social capital, a sense of belonging, and contribute to a sense of self. The implication of this study is that social incentives to identifying with mental illness may be an additional variable to poor mental health on campus. Additional research should look into the correlation between motivations to maintain one's identity with mental illness and reduced help-seeking behaviors.

Committee: Clovis L. White (Advisor); Greggor Mattson (Committee Member); Cynthia McPherson Frantz (Committee Member); Matthew Hayden (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Psychology; Social Psychology; Sociology

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2015, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

For this dissertation two studies were conducted to examine connections between mental illness knowledge, spiritual coping measures, help seeking, and the role of the Black church. Further the relationship between racial pride, stigma, and attitudes toward Black media figures and characters who have mental illness was investigated. Manuscript One Abstract Introduction: The first manuscript is entitled Mental Illness Knowledge, Stigma and Help Seeking Behaviors: The Role of Spirituality and The African American Church, and answers two research questions. These are: a) What relationship exists between mental illness knowledge, perceived stigma, spirituality, and reported help seeking behaviors? b) Are there demographical differences between African Americans who are supportive of the Black church playing a role in addressing mental illness versus those who are not? c) What role should the African-American church play in addressing mental illness? Method: To answer the research questions, a convenience sample of 409 African American church going participants was recruited to complete an anonymous survey. Results: Mental illness knowledge correlated with several items, such as help seeking, stigma and the role of the church. In this study, most participants stated they would receive mental health services if justified. Participants who had high levels of knowledge had lower stigma levels. The majority of participants stated that they would participate in help seeking programs if the church provided those opportunities. Most of the participants were very spiritual and attended a faith-based service weekly. Manuscript Two Abstract Introduction: The second manuscript is entitled An Empire State of Mind: Racial Pride, Stigma and Perceptions of Black Mental Illness in the Media, and answers 3 specific research questions. These are: a) What relationship exists between Racial Pride, Stigma and Perceptions of Black mental illness portrayal in the media? b) Do Afric (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Liliana Guyler Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Omotayo Banjo Ph.D. (Committee Member); Laura Nabors Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education