Comparing Stigma of Mental Disorders in Australia and Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Kathleen M Griffiths, Yoshibumi Nakane, Helen Christensen, Kumiko Yoshioka, Anthony F Jorm, Hideyuki Nakane
Primary Institution: Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University
Hypothesis
Stigma is more prevalent in Japanese society compared to the Australian community.
Conclusion
Stigmatising attitudes were common in both countries, but negative attitudes were greater among the Japanese than the Australian public.
Supporting Evidence
- Japanese respondents showed greater personal stigma than Australian respondents.
- Both countries exhibited greater stigma towards schizophrenia than depression.
- Social distance was significantly higher among Japanese respondents compared to Australians.
Takeaway
People in Japan are generally more negative about mental illness than people in Australia, showing more stigma and reluctance to interact with those who have mental disorders.
Methodology
A household survey was conducted in both countries using similar methodologies, with 3998 Australian adults and 2000 Japanese adults participating.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may have influenced the reporting of stigmatising attitudes.
Limitations
The Japanese survey was not a representative national survey, and responses may have been affected by social desirability biases.
Participant Demographics
3998 Australian adults aged over 18 and 2000 Japanese adults aged 20 to 69.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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