The Relationship Between Mental Illness’ “Invisible” Phenomena vs. the “Visible” Disability: A Scientific Study
Item
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Title
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The Relationship Between Mental Illness’ “Invisible” Phenomena vs. the “Visible” Disability: A Scientific Study
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Creator
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Mariana Contreras
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Exit Requirement
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Honors Thesis
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Date of Award
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Jun-23
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15 June 2023
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Honors Program Director
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Gavin Keulks
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Faculty Advisor
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Brent King
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Abstract
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The study aims to determine if there are stigmas and/or discrimination elicited on individuals with a mental illness, a physical disability, or both, and to determine whether individuals face stigma and discrimination at the same level (frequency and amount). A prominent emphasis was placed on whether individuals will be more likely to have a bias toward something visible (physical disability) compared to something invisible (mental illness). There was a mean age of 22.61 (SD=7.15), and data was obtained from 55 individuals (41 females, 10 males, and 4 non-binary/third gender). The participants were randomly assigned to read a vignette with an assigned picture and then completed a “Perceptions,” “Social Attitudes,” and “Attitudes” Questionnaire. One-way ANOVA’s were used in order to conclude that there was not a significant difference in perceptions (stigma) & attitudes; F(3,49)=.184, p=.907; F(3, 49)=.356, p=.785. However, there were significant differences for the social attitudes questionnaires: F(3,27)= 4.021, p=.012. These findings suggest that there could be a decrease in stigmas and attitudes towards individuals with mental illnesses and physical disabilities in some areas while suggesting there are still negative social attitudes that need to be addressed in other areas. This study suggests that further research on their similarities and differences should be conducted to understand what stigmas individuals face, and how these stigmas can be tackled.
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Type
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Text
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Language
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eng
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
