Examining Workshops in Reducing Mental Illness Self and Social Stigma Among Asian Men in Vancouver, Canada: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Abstract Asian men may be more susceptible to stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness and treatment due to the gendered and cultural expectations created by society, compared to Asian women. This may result in an internalization of devaluing beliefs and discriminatory attitudes towards others affected by mental illness and can delay or prevent this population from seeking professional help. In this randomized control trial (RCT), data from 428 Asian men from Vancouver, Canada were used to examine Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), Contact-based Empowerment and Education (CEE), and ACT + CEE. Data were collected at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, 3 months post-intervention, and 6 months post-intervention using the ISMI and the CAMI scales to assess self and social stigma. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed to determine if there was a significant interaction between the intervention and multiple time points on ISMI and CAMI scores. Linear mixed effects models were performed on ISMI and CAMI composite scores to control for confounding. No significant differences in ISMI scores were seen across all time points for all interventions. Significant reduction in CAMI scores were seen for the CEE intervention up to 3 months, suggesting that effects of the intervention were short-lived.