A qualitative exploration of stigma experiences of second-generation British South-Asian people using an early intervention in psychosis service

ABSTRACT

Background: Psychosis is known to be associated with high levels of public and internalised stigma, especially for those newly diagnosed. There is currently little know about the stigma experiences of second-generation British South-Asian people experiencing psychosis. This study aimed to explore the stigma experiences of this population who are using Early Intervention in Psychosis services.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten British South-Asian adults who had received care from an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service in an urban and diverse area of London. Thematic Analysis was used to interpret findings.

Results: Four themes and eleven sub-themes were developed from the data. The main themes were “the burden of silencing”, “unrecognised aspects of their situation by services”, “experience as the other” and “finding ways to cope”. Findings indicate that stigma manifests differently based on individual experiences, culture and multiple intersecting stigmatised characteristics such as race, religion and socio-economic status.

Conclusion: Early Intervention in Psychosis Services should ensure a person’s cultural context and experiences of stigmatisation are considered in their care. Also, engagement of local South-Asian communities is needed to develop service provision which is more informed by the social and cultural needs, beliefs and experiences of this population.

KEYWORDS:

• Stigma
• early intervention
• first episode
• ethnicity
• discrimination
• culture

Acknowledgments

This study would not have been possible without each participant who courageously and honestly shared their stories. Also, the contributions of the two service-users who helped develop the study was invaluable.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.