Boardman, Felicity K., Griffiths, Frances, Kokanovic, Renata, Potiriadis, Maria, Dowrick, Christopher, 1951- and Gunn, Jane, Prof.. (2011) Resilience as a response to the stigma of depression : a mixed methods analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.135 (No.1-3). pp. 267-276. ISSN 01650327

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Abstract

Background: Stigma has been shown to have a significant influence on help-seeking, adherence to treatment and social opportunities for those experiencing depression. There is a need for studies which examine how the stigma of depression intersects with responses to depression. Methods: 161 telephone interviews with people experiencing depressive symptoms, derived from a longitudinal cohort study, were sampled on the basis of their perceptions of stigma around depression. Interview transcripts were searched for references to stigma and analysed thematically. The frequency of the themes was calculated and cross-referenced, producing a meta-theme matrix. Results: Stigma was closely linked to ideas about responsibility for causation and/or continuation of depressive symptoms. Stigmatised individuals felt compelled to take steps to develop their resilience including drawing on existing support networks and expanding on positive emotions and personal strengths in order to counteract this stigma. However, such strategies were burdensome for some. These participants gained relief from relinquishing their personal responsibility. Limitations: The data were briefer than many interview studies. This narrowed its interpretation, but allowed a large sample of participants. Conclusions: When considering how to tailor therapies for those experiencing depressive symptoms, health professionals should consider the interaction of stigma with coping strategies. Many individuals can build on existing relationships and personal strengths to develop resilience, some however need to first relinquish the expectation of having sufficient pre-existing resilience within themselves.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Depression, Mental, Stigma (Social psychology), Primary health care, Resilience (Personality trait), Mixed methods research
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Affective Disorders
Publisher:	Elsevier Science BV
ISSN:	01650327
Date:	December 2011
Volume:	Vol.135
Number:	No.1-3
Page Range:	pp. 267-276
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.jad.2011.08.007
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI)
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/39979

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