Theoretical Background: Stigma is a major barrier to mental ill patients and their families when they seek treatment, assistance, and rehabilitation. Coping is related to socio-cultural characteristics that could be a barrier or alternatively empower and increase the ability to cope the disease. This study aims to examine the relationship between personal stigma and social stigma among mentally ill people in the Arab population of Israel.

Methods: The sample consisted of one hundred and fifty participants who completed questionnaires of self-stigma, social stigma and social support.

Results: Positive correlations were found between personal stigma and social stigma, and specifically between awareness and social stigma and self-pain and social stigma. In addition, personal stigma among Rahat residents was higher than the personal stigma among residents of East Jerusalem. On the other hand, the social stigma among residents of East Jerusalem is higher in comparison with the residents of Rahat. 
Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that mental illness in the Arab population in Israel is subject to strong social and personal stigma. Results support the notion that Arab society that is undergoing a process of transition in dealing with stress situations in general and mental impairment.

Conference Title

International Conference on Mental Health and Addictions

Conference Country

Canada

Conference Date

April 27, 2023 - April 28, 2023

Conference Sponsor

Alagoma university

Additional Info

Conference Website