Each year, one in four U.S. adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When diagnosed, such individuals often are culturally labeled as a “mentally ill person,” which can affect negatively their social and psychological well-being.

This may result in a higher rate of unemployment, lower earnings and greater feelings of demoralization.

In a recently published Social Psychology Quarterly study, Dr. Amy Kroska, Kent State associate professor of sociology, examined how the stigma of mental illness affects patients who have recently been diagnosed with a mental disorder. Specifically, she found that patients’ perceptions of the mentally ill affect the way they see themselves and that these perceptions may exacerbate their mental illness.

Kroska can be reached at 330-672-9474 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Kent State University