How Do Mental Health Professionals Stigmatize Incompetence in Schizophrenia?

Competence is a fundamental dimension of stigmatization according to social psychology models (stereotype content model, Fiske et al., 2002). Stereotypes of incompetence in schizophrenia have been reported in mental health professionals but remain poorly studied despite their importance regarding recovery-oriented practices. The aim of the study was to evaluate which of five different competence domains explored are stigmatized by mental health professionals (MHP) in schizophrenia. The second objective was to identify individual factors associated with these incompetence stereotypes. An online survey was conducted among 158 MHP in France. Incompetence stereotypes were assessed with a semantic differential scale method exploring participants' beliefs about persons with schizophrenia, healthy people, and themselves. Two categories of potentially associated factors were also measured: theoretical beliefs (i.e., continuum/categorical beliefs, perceived similarities, compassion, beliefs in recovery possibility) and sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, profession). Four stigmatized competences were identified: social competences, work competences, competences in health management, and emotional competences. Intellectual competences in schizophrenia were not stigmatized according to the comparison with healthy people. Of note, MHP reported themselves as more competent than persons with schizophrenia in all domains. Beliefs in recovery possibilities, perceived similarities and compassion were associated with fewer incompetence stereotypes. Categorical beliefs were associated with higher incompetence stereotypes. Stereotypes of incompetence in schizophrenia affect areas directly relevant to support in recovery-oriented practices (e.g., decision making, emotion management, social and work functioning) and should be targeted in interventions aimed at reducing stigma in mental health practices.