Stigmatization

A woman walks into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. A man cashes his disability check. Do you look at them with judgment, with sympathy, or with something in between? How you answer may depend on your perspective toward social welfare.

A look of judgment represents the stigma attached to many social services. Some recipients are more stigmatized than others—for instance, a senior receiving retirement benefits may not be perceived with contempt in the same way that a homeless person at a soup kitchen might be.

For this Discussion, you investigate what stigmatization entails and how you might address it with a certain population.

a response to the following:

Define stigmatization as it relates to receiving social services.
Identify and describe a population that may feel stigmatized in accepting a social service.
Describe a strategy to use with a client to address stigmatization.
Reference

Verhaeghe, M., Bracke, P., & Bruynooghe, K. (2008). Stigmatization and self-esteem of persons in recovery from mental illness: The role of peer support Links to an external site.. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 54(3), 206–218.

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Sample Answer

Definition of stigmatization as it relates to receiving social services

Stigma is a negative social label that is attached to a person or group of people. It can be based on a variety of factors, including race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and mental illness. Stigma can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and social isolation.

In the context of social services, stigma can refer to the negative attitudes and stereotypes that are often associated with people who receive social assistance. For example, people who receive food stamps or unemployment benefits may be seen as lazy or undeserving. People who receive disability benefits may be seen as weak or incompetent.

Population that may feel stigmatized in accepting a social service

Any population that receives social services is at risk of experiencing stigma. However, some populations are more stigmatized than others. For example, people who are homeless, people with mental illness, and people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are often stigmatized.

Full Answer Section

Strategy to use with a client to address stigmatization

There are a number of strategies that can be used to address stigmatization with clients. One important strategy is to educate clients about stigma and its effects. This can help clients to understand that they are not alone and that stigma is not their fault.

Another important strategy is to help clients to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stigma. This may include teaching clients how to identify and challenge negative stereotypes. It may also involve teaching clients how to build a support network of people who are understanding and supportive.

Here are some specific strategies that can be used with clients to address stigmatization:

  • Psychoeducation: Provide clients with information about stigma, including its definition, causes, and effects.
  • Cognitive restructuring: Help clients to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves and about people who receive social services.
  • Skills training: Teach clients skills for coping with stigma, such as how to identify and challenge negative stereotypes and how to build a support network.
  • Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of clients to reduce stigma and discrimination.

It is important to note that addressing stigmatization is a complex and challenging process. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best approach will vary depending on the individual client and their needs.

Reference

Verhaeghe, M., Bracke, P., & Bruynooghe, K. (2008). Stigmatization and self-esteem of persons in recovery from mental illness: The role of peer support [Links to an external site.]. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 54(3), 206–218.

Additional thoughts

It is important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This includes people who receive social services. We can all help to reduce stigma by being understanding and supportive, and by challenging negative stereotypes.

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