The Impact of Social Support on Reducing Mental Health Stigma: A Mixed-Methods Study
Abstract
Mental health stigma remains a major barrier to help-seeking, treatment access, and recovery among individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. This study examined the role of social support in reducing stigma and improving mental health outcomes. A mixed-methods design was used, combining survey data from 500 participants with semi-structured interviews involving 30 individuals with lived experience of mental illness. Quantitative findings showed that help-seeking decreased as perceived stigma increased. Among participants with low stigma, 82% reported seeking help, compared with 60% of those with moderate stigma and only 30% of those with high stigma. Higher stigma was also linked with poorer mental health outcomes, as mean depression scores increased from 12.4 in the low-stigma group to 25.3 in the high-stigma group, while anxiety scores increased from 10.8 to 23.6. Self-esteem showed the opposite pattern, declining from 28.6 among participants with low stigma to 16.8 among those with high stigma. Social support was commonly reported, especially family support at 68%, followed by friends or peer support at 55%, professional support at 42%, community or religious support at 35%, and online support groups at 28%. Qualitative findings showed that fear of judgement, family influence, social isolation, emotional support, and barriers to professional help shaped participants’ experiences of stigma and recovery. Overall, the study suggests that stigma reduces help-seeking and worsens mental health outcomes, while strong social support can improve coping, reduce isolation, and encourage access to care.
How to Cite
Ashima Sharma, Khushbu Lata, "The Impact of Social Support on Reducing Mental Health Stigma: A Mixed-Methods Study", Vol. 3, Issue 6, 20-09-2025, pp. 71-82.
