(PS7-77) Personality Pathology Labels: The Impact of Internalized Stigma and Discriminatory Experiences on Perceived Stigma

Introduction: 

Stigma toward personality disorders (PD) is prevalent in the general population and among healthcare providers. Mental health stigma can perpetuate negative attitudes which can increase discrimination towards those with a PD. Furthermore, negative attitudes and discrimination may contribute to internalized stigma. Much of the literature on PDs, stigma, and discrimination has focused on borderline personality disorder. However, stigma may be prevalent in all PD. The current study examines the influence of internalized stigma and discriminatory experiences on the perceptions of personality pathology labels across categorical and dimensional models. Additionally, this study will explore the impact of negative attitudes and behaviors by healthcare providers on their perceptions of stigmatizing labels in categorical and dimensional models of personality pathology. 

Method: 

We recruited two samples via social media posts and email listservs to complete an online survey. Individuals with a PD (n = 218) reported internalized stigma and experiences with discrimination. Healthcare providers (n = 77) rated their attitudes and behaviors towards those with a PD or mental illness. All participants rated the degree of perceived stigma in response to the labels used in the DSM-5 traditional PDs (e.g., paranoid personality disorder), AMPD maladaptive traits (e.g., psychoticism), and HiTOP spectra (e.g., antagonism). 

Results: 

In a sample of individuals with a personality disorder, we expect individuals with more internalized stigma to perceive PD labels as stigmatizing. We anticipate that those with higher anticipated discrimination will view the PD labels as stigmatizing. Finally, we hypothesize that individuals who have experienced discrimination due to a PD will perceive personality pathology labels as stigmatizing. In a sample of healthcare providers, we expect those who reported fewer microaggressions towards patients with PDs will perceive more stigma in personality pathology labels. Finally, we anticipate healthcare providers with less negative attitudes towards patients with PDs to perceive personality pathology labels as more stigmatizing. 

Implication: 

Building inclusive partnerships with individuals with PDs can increase our knowledge of the day-to-day experience of living with a personality disorder. This work can identify common sources of daily discrimination from the general public and healthcare professionals. It is important for researchers and clinicians to consider the impact of stigma and discrimination on individuals with PDs and how labels may perpetuate negative attitudes in the general public and among healthcare providers. Such consideration and action can improve the well-being of individuals with PDs by reducing a source of stigma.