Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know? A study looking at how people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia experience negative cultural representations and discrimination

In this thesis I present the results of an interpretative phenomenological analysis
(IPA) of the experience of negative cultural representations and discrimination for
people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
An overview of the literature examining the public's attitudes towards 'schizophrenia'
and mental health shows the impact of the experiences of cultural representations
and discrimination on service users. In this context I examine literature on identity,
behaviour and mental health. It is suggested that what is needed to increase our
understanding of the impact of prejudice and discrimination is a more sensitive
analysis that draws out some of the complexities of these experiences from the
service user's perspective.
An account is given of theoretical and procedural issues associated with qualitative
research and I PA. I then go on to present an analysis of the interviews of eight
participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Five themes emerged from these
accounts that provide a greater understanding of people's experiences of negative
cultural representations and discrimination and their efforts to resist and challenge
these. The themes suggest that these experiences are all implicated in the person's
identity, behaviour and mental health. A reflexive critical review of the research is
provided. Finally the implications of this study are discussed and suggestions are
made for how we can address discrimination.

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