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Article Analysis Assignment

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Article Analysis Assignment
Article: “Resisting the Stigma of Mental Illness” by Peggy A. Thoits
Analyzed by Lynsey Chapman
November 22, 2014 In the article titled “Resisting the Stigma of Mental Illness,” Peggy A. Thoits explored the ways in which individuals who have a mental illness resist the stigmas and stereotypes that come with the classification of being mentally ill, and how they relate to self-esteem. The article referenced different studies where individuals had been interviewed about subjects varying from patients’ evaluation of their life (self-esteem) to the overwhelming stigmatization of those who have mental illnesses and how they deal with it. Thoits uses these studies to apply her two forms of resistance of stigma …show more content…

In class, we discussed Modified Labeling Theory when looking at Mental illness. Modified Labeling Theory says that being labeled as mentally ill can cause ones self-esteem to lower because they begin to accept the stigmas that come with being labeled mentally ill. As stated in both the article and in chapter 8 of Social Psychology: Sociological Perspectives, this theory discusses how one individuals are labeled as mental patients, or as having a mental illness, they fear being identified as “crazy”, they realize they also risk being devalued in society as well as being discriminated against due to their mental illness. Thoits suggests that these individuals inadvertently accept what society says about them, but they use coping strategies to avoid the negative consequences (Thoits 2011). The coping strategies mentioned are being secretive about their medical history, withdrawing from social interactions from those who aren’t close family or friends and education others about their mental illness (Thoits 2011: 8). This comes with consequences, such as an increased feeling of shame, feeling unworthy and in some cases unaccepting of themselves. Modified Labeling Theory is important when analyzing resisting the stigma of mental illness because if people’s actions line up accordingly with this theory, it is said that their acceptance of stigma will then damage and lower their self-esteem (Thoits

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