The perceptions of adolescents who self-harm on stigma and care following inpatient psychiatric treatment

Stigma within the context of mental illness has been conceptualized as problematic or negative knowledge, attitudes, and behavior held against someone with mental illness. Perceptions of stigma and care receipt have been explored in adult clinical populations; however, these experiences have not been widely explored with adolescent clinical populations who self-harm. The purpose of this study was to explore youths’ perceptions of stigma. Using a cross-sectional design, open-ended interviews were conducted with 12 adolescents (14–19 years, 83% female). Data were examined with content analysis. Results indicated that youth reported experiences of stigma from both clinicians and other patients, and some of these youth reported stigmatizing others with mental health disorders. Youth reported varied experiences with stigma and varied experiences with care receipt. Implications for practice include attention to perceived stigma in healthcare settings.