Impact of Stigma: Help-Seeking Behaviors of Mothers with Substance Use Disorder
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Start Date
18-4-2019 9:15 AM
End Date
18-4-2019 10:30 AM
Keywords
Substance Use Disorder, Stigma, Help Seeking Behaviors
Biography
Katelyn is an undergraduate psychology major conducting a literature review as part of her undergraduate clinical practicum capstone course. She grew up in Wayne County West Virginia and plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology.
Major
Psychology
Advisor for this project
Dr. Penny Koontz
Abstract
Abstract
This literature review seeks to examine the impact of social stigma on mothers with substance use disorders, particularly those living in rural Appalachia. Stigma can be defined as a social process that includes behavioral and cognitive elements that can lead to prejudice and discrimination. It is credited as being a significant barrier for those who wish to seek treatment for substance use disorders. Stigma internalization is a primary consequence of societal stigma, and it is associated with deleterious consequences to recovery prognoses for those with substance use disorders. Women seeking treatment in rural regions face challenges that differ from those residing in urban communities including unique community beliefs, attitudes, relationships, and economic hardships. Women, particularly pregnant women, report a fear of judgment and stigmatization as a significant barrier to seeking help. Women are also highly stigmatized for alcohol use disorder, and pregnant women felt the greatest impact of stigma. The implications of these findings imply that it is critical for clinicians to work to dissolve these barriers, as substance use treatment among pregnant women has consistently proven beneficial to the health of mothers and their children.
Impact of Stigma: Help-Seeking Behaviors of Mothers with Substance Use Disorder
Abstract
This literature review seeks to examine the impact of social stigma on mothers with substance use disorders, particularly those living in rural Appalachia. Stigma can be defined as a social process that includes behavioral and cognitive elements that can lead to prejudice and discrimination. It is credited as being a significant barrier for those who wish to seek treatment for substance use disorders. Stigma internalization is a primary consequence of societal stigma, and it is associated with deleterious consequences to recovery prognoses for those with substance use disorders. Women seeking treatment in rural regions face challenges that differ from those residing in urban communities including unique community beliefs, attitudes, relationships, and economic hardships. Women, particularly pregnant women, report a fear of judgment and stigmatization as a significant barrier to seeking help. Women are also highly stigmatized for alcohol use disorder, and pregnant women felt the greatest impact of stigma. The implications of these findings imply that it is critical for clinicians to work to dissolve these barriers, as substance use treatment among pregnant women has consistently proven beneficial to the health of mothers and their children.
