Contextualizing the Biological Turn: The Important Role of Belief Configurations for Mental Illness Stigma

• In Event: 538 - Regular Session. Mental Health: Social Consequences

Abstract

Public endorsement of biological causes of mental illness has become more prevalent in recent decades. While some view this biological turn as a promising development, mental illness stigma has not abated. Because most Americans believe multiple factors cause mental illness, we contend that any belief in a biological cause should be understood as a part of the larger mosaic of causal beliefs. However, understanding the highly complex pathways by which several beliefs may lead to stigma requires an alternative to traditional regression analysis. Toward this end, we use qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) on the 2006 General Social Survey to reveal the role of particular belief configurations in the stigmatization of depression, schizophrenia, and alcoholism (N=971). These configurations provide a potential explanation for the mixed reception of the biological turn by the American public. More generally, belief configurations are a new and important tool for conceptualizing and analyzing social stigma.

Authors

• Matthew Andersson, Baylor University

• Sarah K. Harkness, University of Iowa