Psychological distance reduces the effect of internalized stigma on mental health treatment decisions

• DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12676
• Publication Date: 2020-05-27T05:18:40Z
• Authors: Colleen Hughes; Kentaro Fujita; Anne C. Krendl
• Keywords: Stigma; Social distance

Abstract Although stigma is a major barrier to treatment for those with mental health concerns, it poorly understood when more or less influential in decisions. In the current work, we examined whether psychological distance—the removal of an event from direct experience—reduced influence internalized on willingness seek treatment. Specifically, tested hypothesis that distance versus proximity (e.g., seeking three months vs. two days, respectively) decreases negative We focused population whom decisions are personally‐relevant: individuals who had previously sought Experiment 1 showed extent which these (i.e., personally endorsed) about illness predicted lower intentions make appointment care provider themselves (but not another person). 2 replicated this result using different measure (temporal distance) and extended finding behavior (time spent reading resources). Overall, research demonstrated disrupts treatment‐seeking behaviors they psychologically proximal, but distant. Potential applications results discussed.