A comparison of contextual and biomedical models of stigma reduction for depression with a nonclinical undergraduate sample

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2009 Feb;197(2):104-10. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e318192416f.

Abstract

Stigma reduction programs are dominated by a biomedical model that presents depression as a medical illness. Alternately, a contextual model emphasizes that one should not be blamed for environmental influences. This study compared biomedical, contextual, and control stigma reduction programs to each other and to a no-program control. The main hypotheses were that the contextual program would have the greatest impact and that a match between participants' beliefs about depression and the model presented would moderate this effect. Seventy-four participants were randomized to the 3 programs and 12 participants served as a no-program control. The contextual and control programs reduced stigma significantly compared with the no-program control, whereas the biomedical program did not. Beliefs about depression moderated this effect only for the biomedical condition. Contextual and control programs seem to be effective but a biomedical model may be risky for those who disagree with the model. Theoretical implications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Culture*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Personality Inventory
  • Prejudice*
  • Social Environment*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents