Self-stigma is a complex phenomenon, in which an individual endorses and internalizes stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination held and motivated by the public. Taking mental illness as a primary example, the onset of self-stigma in an individual can lead to low self-efficacy, low self-esteem, decreased use of health services, and loss of opportunities, which which in turn reduces overall quality of life. Although self-stigma causes a range of negative impacts, such as those mentioned above, there are also a range of strategic and preventative measures and interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of self-stigma. These include consumer-run services, such as peer support and mentoring, as well as educational campaigns. Throughout this essay, the concept of self-stigma and its effects, as well as strategies and methods to combat negative effects, will be discussed in detail. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get an original essayThe concept of self-stigma can be explained through an in-depth scene model presented by Corrigan and Rao (2012) as well as the “why try 'effect by Corrigan et al. (2009). To fully understand the concept of self-stigma and its effects, it is important to note the role of public stigma in causing people with mental illness to internalize publicly discussed characteristics. A mixture of stereotypes and prejudices based on devalued characteristics can generate negative attitudes among the public, leading to discriminatory behavior towards people with mental illness. The stage model of self-stigma presented by Corrigan and Rao (2012) illustrates the process by which an individual begins to endorse public stigma intrapersonally, through a series of stages. The first stage, awareness, is where the individual recognizes and is aware of the public stigma surrounding their illness. When the individual begins to agree with the stereotypes about his condition and then begins to apply the stereotypes to himself, he is in the agreement and application phases, respectively. Reaching the model application stage of the self-stigma stage can harm the individual and contribute to a significant decrease in their self-esteem and self-efficacy, as well as poor health outcomes . Corrigan et al. (2009) further explain self-stigma through the “why try” effect. Similar to Corrigan and Rao's (2012) stage model, the “why try” effect occurs when the individual applies negative stereotypes and attitudes toward themselves, leading them to give a “why try” response. “Why try” responses are those that undermine the individual's self-esteem and are generally demeaning to the individual due to low self-esteem, thereby diminishing their self-efficacy due to interference from others. life goals, achievements and opportunities. Corrigan and Rao (2012) provide an example of a “why try” response in “Why should I try to live alone? I am not capable of such independence. I don’t have the skills to manage my own home,” which emphasizes how this would affect an individual’s ability to achieve their life goals, thus implying a lack of self-efficacy. A “why try” response elicits a “why try” outcome, which is an undesirable outcomeaffecting an individual's life opportunities and goals, due to self-stigma and negative attitudes. As mentioned, self-stigma occurs when people with mental illness begin to internalize discriminatory behaviors, stereotypes, and negative attitudes toward their illness. Not only does this negatively impact their self-esteem and self-efficacy, but it also has a profoundly disadvantageous and almost cyclical effect on many other aspects of their lives, including health care, employment, independence , social and leisure activities. First and foremost, self-stigma directly affects a person's ability to seek and/or adhere to treatment, counseling and information about their condition. Lannin, Vogel, Brenner, Abraham, and Heath (2016) argue that self-stigma creates a negative attitude toward counseling, whether individual, group, or career-focused. Additionally, Lannin et al. (2016) emphasize that the intention and willingness to seek advice is significantly reduced due to self-stigma, as individuals begin to associate labels with negative connotations such as "insecure, inadequate, inferior and weak” looking for advice. The study conducted by Lannin et al. (2016) further supported this notion, in which they found an association between the two, with self-stigma decreasing an individual's chances of seeking mental health information and self-stigma decreasing the chances of seeking information advice. Therefore, Lannin et al. (2016) shows that self-stigma is indeed a contributing factor to reduced health service utilization and poor health outcomes. Alongside the study conducted by Lannin et al. (2016), Fung, Tsang, and Cheung (2011) suggest that self-stigma hinders an individual's ability to adhere to treatment, which is another negative effect of self-stigma that largely contributes to poor health outcomes. health and overall quality of life.Fung et al. (2011), through their trial of the self-stigma reduction program with schizophrenic patients, showed that individuals with less self-stigma and greater self-efficacy were able to better adhere to their self-stigma programs. treatment. Subsequently, it was found that people with higher levels of self-stigma were less compliant with treatment. These factors all contribute to poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life. There are a multitude of strategies at the individual and societal level that aim to mitigate the negative effects of self-stigma, to ensure that individuals can access opportunities without the barriers associated with mental illness and self-stigma, collectively. Educational interventions and campaigns constitute a more societal method of reducing stigma. While they don't necessarily combat self-stigma, they aim to raise awareness and correct inaccurate and misleading information about mental illness. Although a strategy to combat public stigma, educational campaigns and interventions have also been found to reduce self-stigma and increase individuals' self-esteem. Consumer-run services, such as drop-in centers and peer support services, are a more direct and individual strategy for reducing the effects of self-stigma. These peer and mentoring services allow individuals to receive interventions and..