A sociological investigation into stigmatisation of mental health in organisations.

Abstract

This paper investigates mental health stigma within organisations; specifically in secondary schools and the workplace. The study consists of six semi-structured interviews, with both individuals who faced stigma in organisations and also professionals who aim to reduce stigma in their workplace. Phenomenological, realist and social constructionist approaches were used in this study in order to obtain the most valuable and authentic data possible. The data has been separated into five themes and each explores a different aspect of mental health stigma. The findings of this study revealed that mental health stigma was apparent within these organisations. In concluding this study, the researcher has provided data that has not yet been explored in mental health research; this could act as a platform for future investigation. The data has also allowed the researcher to suggest potentially useful approaches to tackle mental health stigma in the organisations discussed in this paper.