| Abstract [eng] |
The Master's thesis analyses the role of social workers in reducing the stigma of mental disability. The stigma of mental disability can lead to difficulties such as reduced access to the labour market, poor health services, poverty, homelessness and many other problems. The effects of stigma cause them to accept negative societal prejudices and to lose self-confidence. The stigma of mental disability is a multifaceted and acute problem worldwide, but there is a dearth of research in this area, especially on long-term interventions and follow-up actions to tackle stigma. Although the role of social workers in reducing the stigma of mental disability is argued to be important, there is a dearth of research on how social workers work in this area. The aim of this paper is therefore to examine the role of social workers in reducing the stigma of mental disability. The theoretical part of the thesis discusses the concept of mental disability stigma and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of persons with mental disabilities and their relatives. In addition, the theoretical and practical models of combating the stigma of mental disability are revealed. The type of research chosen for the empirical study is qualitative. The aim of the study is to explore the role of social workers in reducing the stigma of mental disability. The method used to obtain the qualitative data was an individual interview - a semi-structured interview. The method of expert interview analysis was chosen to analyse the interview data. A study of social workers found that the stigma of mental disability leads to social isolation, making people with mental disorders passive members of society. Social workers revealed that the main factors contributing to the stigma of mental disability are historically formed societal attitudes towards people with mental disabilities and mental health institutions, and a lack of education and knowledge in society. Thus, social workers, in order to combat the stigma of mental disability, disseminate realistic information about their working practices, educate members of the public through training, conferences, events, mediation and representation of clients, and cooperation with other institutions. However, stigma reduction is challenging because people with mental disorders are not always willing to accept help, and professionals from the various institutions that social workers work with to help people with mental disabilities are not always willing to get involved in the helping process. |
