Internalizing stigma associated with mental illness: findings from a general population survey in Jamaica.

Objectives: The culture of stigma associated with mental illness is particularly intense when persons who are normally victims of that stigmatization (mentally ill persons and their family members) themselves act negatively toward others whom they associate with mental illness. We attempt to determine the extent of this internalization and assimilation of stigmatizing attitudes, cognitions, and behaviors in persons who are at risk for such stigmatization in Jamaica.

Methods: Data from a 2006 national survey on mental health were analyzed.