What is the main distinction between stigma and discrimination?

• A. Stigma involves unfair treatment of individuals
• B. Discrimination refers to negative perceptions of individuals
• C. Stigma refers to negative perceptions of people with mental illness
• D. Discrimination is always a result of stigma

Answer: (C)

The main distinction between stigma and discrimination lies in the nature of their impacts on individuals. Stigma refers specifically to the negative perceptions and beliefs that society holds about a particular group, often based on characteristics such as mental illness. It can manifest in stereotypes, labeling, and social disapproval, which can lead to feelings of shame and isolation among those targeted.

In contrast, discrimination involves actual behaviors that harm or disadvantage individuals based on those stigmatized characteristics—essentially, it is the action taken against individuals owing to the stigma they face. While stigma can lead to discrimination, they are separate concepts: stigma relates to attitudes and beliefs, while discrimination involves the practices and actions arising from those beliefs.

Thus, identifying stigma as relating to the negative perceptions of individuals specifically highlights how it operates in society, particularly in the context of mental health and other marginalized groups. Understanding this distinction is crucial for addressing both the social attitudes that lead to stigma and the behaviors that result in discrimination.