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Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Global Mental Health
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Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Global Mental Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 1721

Editor

Dr. Oladapo Akinlotan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care, School of Nursing, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
Interests: mental health nursing; mental health and wellbeing; learning disability; global mental health; mental health geography; health geography/geosciences; health inequalities; earth sciences

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite a global increase in mental health awareness across the globe [1], the stigmatisation and discrimination of mental illness continue to be widespread in many societies and cultures [2]. Stigmatisation refers to the act of devaluing, discrediting, and shaming individuals because of their characteristics or attributes, which can then lead to isolation, exclusion, marginalisation, and prejudice [3]. The stigmatisation and discrimination of mental illness can create unnecessary barriers to acknowledging illness, accessing support and treatment, and achieving recovery [4]. Thus, tackling mental health stigmas and discrimination is crucial to break the barriers that prevent the acknowledgement of mental illness, access to mental health support and treatment, and improvement of the lives and care of those affected [4].

Given this background, the aim of this Special Issue is to present and discuss current evidence surrounding the topic of reducing stigma and discrimination in global mental health. Topics will include, but are not limited to, discussions around the causes, prevalence, and types of stigma; experiences of stigma by people with mental illness; impacts of stigma on people with mental illness; and actions taken to reduce and minimise stigmatisation of mental illness on a global scale.

References

  1. Goh, Y., Yong, Q., Tam, W.W. Effects of online stigma-reduction programme for people experiencing mental health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Ment. Health Nurs. 2021, 30, 1040–1056. https://doi. org/10.1111/inm.12893
  2. Oexle, N.; Müller, M., Kawohl, W., Xu, Z., Viering, S., Wyss, C., Vetter, S.; Rüsch, N. Self-stigma as a barrier to recovery: a longitudinal study. Arch. Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 2018, 268, 209–212.
  3. Subu, M.A.; Wati, D.F.; Netrida, N.; Priscilla, V.; Dias, J.M.; Abraham, M. S.; Slewa-Younan, S.; Al–Yateem, N. Types of stigma experienced by patients with mental illness and mental health nurses in Indonesia: A qualitative content analysis. J. Ment. Health Syst. 2021, 15, 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033- 021-00502-x
  4. Sreeram, A.; Cross, W.; Townsin, L. Anti-stigma initiatives for mental health professionals—A systematic literature review. Psychiatr. Ment. Health Nurs. 2022, 29, 512–528. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12840

Dr. Oladapo Akinlotan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health stigma
  • mental health discrimination
  • mental health stereotyping
  • stigma reduction
  • anti-stigma
  • global mental health
  • mental illness
  • stigma
  • stigmatisation
  • discrimination
  • bias
  • prejudice

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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21 pages, 329 KB  
Article
A Bifactor Measure of Societal Stigma Toward Eating Disorders and Obesity: Scale Development and Validation
by Carlos Suso-Ribera, Laura Díaz-Sanahuja, Macarena Paredes-Mealla, Sara Marsal and Miriam Almirall
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(3), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030399 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Background: Societal stigma toward eating disorders and obesity remains pervasive and is associated with psychological distress, maladaptive eating behaviors, reduced help-seeking, and barriers to care. Despite its documented impact, comprehensive and psychometrically robust instruments to assess stigma—particularly in Spanish-speaking populations—are scarce. This study [...] Read more.
Background: Societal stigma toward eating disorders and obesity remains pervasive and is associated with psychological distress, maladaptive eating behaviors, reduced help-seeking, and barriers to care. Despite its documented impact, comprehensive and psychometrically robust instruments to assess stigma—particularly in Spanish-speaking populations—are scarce. This study aimed to develop and validate a multidimensional measure of societal stigma toward eating disorders and obesity in Spain, grounded in contemporary stigma frameworks. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a large community sample recruited online (N = 2121). An initial pool of stigma-related items was developed based on theoretical and empirical literature and refined through expert content validation. Psychometric evaluation included item screening, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bifactor modeling, and reliability assessment. The sample was randomly split for EFA (n = 988) and CFA (n = 658). Associations between stigma scores and sociodemographic and experiential variables were examined. Results: The final 36-item instrument demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Bifactor analyses supported an essentially unidimensional structure dominated by a strong general stigma factor, with secondary content-specific dimensions (e.g., legitimacy, personal responsibility, visibility, and treatment beliefs). The theory-driven bifactor model showed excellent fit (CFI = 0.991; TLI = 0.990; RMSEA = 0.024). The general factor exhibited high reliability (ωh = 0.87). Higher stigma was observed among men, older participants, and individuals without personal or familial experience of eating disorders or obesity. Conclusions: This study provides a reliable and theoretically grounded instrument for assessing societal stigma toward eating disorders and obesity in Spain. The scale enables systematic research on stigma and offers a valuable tool for public health surveillance, intervention development, and evaluation of anti-stigma initiatives aimed at promoting compassionate and equitable care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Global Mental Health)

Other

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30 pages, 827 KB  
Systematic Review
“I Was Embarrassed to Go and See a Counsellor”: Stigma Experienced by Individuals Diagnosed with Mental Illness (A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis)
by Oladapo Akinlotan, Dinithi Vidanage and Allen O’connor
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(7), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070873 (registering DOI) - 4 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Stigma is a persistent barrier to psychosocial wellbeing and recovery of individuals with mental illnesses. Aim: This study aims to examine stigma experienced by individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses. Method: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of peer-reviewed qualitative primary [...] Read more.
Background: Stigma is a persistent barrier to psychosocial wellbeing and recovery of individuals with mental illnesses. Aim: This study aims to examine stigma experienced by individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses. Method: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of peer-reviewed qualitative primary studies followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Five databases: CINAHL Ultimate, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE Ultimate, and Embase were searched for studies published between 2021 and 2025. A total of 17 studies were included after rigorous screening. Results: Thematic analysis identified three major themes and fifteen sub-themes. These are manifestations of stigma (prevalence of stigma, operation of stigma, stigma related to mental health diagnosis, stigma related to motherhood and impacts of stigma), multiple factors shaping stigma (ignorance and misunderstanding, spiritual and religious beliefs, family and friends, cultural beliefs) and management of stigma (management strategies, internalising stigma, isolation due to stigma, disclosure of mental illness, non-disclosure of mental illness and help-seeking for mental illness). Conclusions: Stigma related to mental illness remains widespread and continues to influence individuals’ experiences, relationships, and help-seeking behaviours. Addressing stigma through improved mental health awareness and supportive environments is essential to promote recovery and wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Global Mental Health)
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