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Depression Stigma

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  • Roth, Christopher
  • Schwardmann, Peter
  • Tripodi, Egon

Abstract

Throughout history, people with mental illness have been discriminated against and stigmatized. Our experiment provides a new measure of perceived depression stigma and then investigates the causal effect of perceived stigma on help-seeking in a sample of 1,844 Americans suffering from depression. A large majority of our participants overestimate the extent of stigma associated with depression. In contrast to prior correlational evidence, lowering perceived social stigma through an information intervention leads to a reduction in the demand for psychotherapy. A mechanism experiment reveals that this information increases optimism about future mental health, thereby reducing the perceived need for therapy.

Suggested Citation

  • Roth, Christopher & Schwardmann, Peter & Tripodi, Egon, 2024. "Depression Stigma," CEPR Discussion Papers 18919, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:18919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sayantan Ghosal & Smarajit Jana & Anandi Mani & Sandip Mitra & Sanchari Roy, 2022. "Sex Workers, Stigma, and Self-Image: Evidence from Kolkata Brothels," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 104(3), pages 431-448, May.
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