Stigma by association : among family members of people with mental illness

Stigmatisation essentially paints a group of people in a negative light and makes them more susceptible to social disapproval. This dissertation primarily focuses on the stigmatisation of family members of people suffering from a mental illness. They are often viewed as irresponsible, incompetent, strange or genetically contaminated. They are often blamed for causing the illness or for impeding the patient’s recovery. Stigmatisation can cause family members to become ostracised, ignored or treated poorly. This causes family members to feel lonely, isolated, abandoned or not taken seriously. Research has been conducted on how family members can reduce the negative consequences of stigmatisation. Recommendations were given in the field of information provision, education and support.