The potential of continuum versus biogenetic beliefs in reducing stigmatization against persons with schizophrenia: An experimental study

• We compared the effects of a continuum, a biogenetic, and a control intervention on stigmatization against schizophrenia.
• Written information texts were presented to n = 1189 participants in an online experiment.
• The continuum and the biogenetic showed reduced scores in different stigma aspects.
• The correlation analysis indicated continuum beliefs to be consistently associated with lower stigma scores.
• Continuum beliefs have the potential to reduce stigmatization against persons with schizophrenia.

ObjectiveA central aspect of previous anti-stigma campaigns was the promotion of biogenetic causes of schizophrenia. Although biogenetic beliefs have been shown to reduce the blame given to persons with schizophrenia, they tend to increase discrimination and stereotypes such as dangerousness and unpredictability. A novel anti-stigma approach is to incorporate continuum beliefs in order to oppose the perceived separation, which is a main component of the stigma process. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a continuum, a biogenetic, and a control intervention on stereotypes, fear, and social distance towards persons with schizophrenia. Furthermore, it was intended to replicate earlier findings on the associations between continuum beliefs, biogenetic beliefs, and different facets of stigmatization.MethodIn an online-experiment, 1189 participants from the general population randomly received either a continuum, a biogenetic, or a control intervention, which consisted of written information texts.ResultsThe continuum group showed less endorsement of the stereotype incompetence/unpredictability than the biogenetic group. The biogenetic group ascribed less blame to persons with schizophrenia than the other groups. The correlation analyses indicated continuum beliefs to be consistently associated with lower stereotype scores, less fear, and less preferred social distance.LimitationsThe sample was not fully representative and the experimental manipulations in our study consisted of relatively short information texts.ConclusionIt is concluded that continuum beliefs have the potential to reduce stigmatization against persons with schizophrenia. However, future studies need to investigate the effects of more powerful interventions to promote them.