Stigma against mental illness: Perspectives of mental health service users

This study aimed to understand the perception, management and experience of stigma among people with mental illness in Japan. Interviews with people with mental illness were conducted and the data were analysed using grounded theory approach. The results showed that participants’ major concerns appeared to obtain or keep a job, and being regarded as ‘abnormal’. Overall, there were more affinities rather than differences between Japan and Western countries, whilst some cultural factors which seem to be related to the differences are also discussed.