Research Paper Title
Development of a measure of stigma towards occupational stress for mental health professionals.
Background
Stigma is a common barrier to mental health professionals (MHPs) seeking help for occupational stress and burnout, although there is a lack of psychometrically sound tools to measure this construct.
The current study aimed to develop and validate a scale (the Mental Health Professional Stigma Scale; MHPSS) for this purpose.
Methods
The MHPSS and related measures were completed by 221 Australian MHPs via online survey, with a sub-sample completing the MHPSS again 2 weeks after initial completion.
Results
Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution, comprising of 13 items and accounting for 50.16% of variance.
Factors were:
- Perceived Other Stigma;
- Perceived Structural Stigma;
- Personal Stigma; and
- Self stigma.
The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity of the scale were supported.
Conclusions
The MHPSS has utility to capture stigmatising attitudes and beliefs related to occupational stress and burnout among MHPs.
It may be used to assist in the development and evaluation of initiatives to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking among MHPs.
Reference
Clough, B.A., Hill, M., Delaney, M. & Casey, L.M. (2020) Development of a measure of stigma towards occupational stress for mental health professionals. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. doi: 10.1007/s00127-019-01820-9. [Epub ahead of print].
