Introduction: The notion that depression is a disorder that moves along a continuum
is well-established. Similarly, the belief in the continuity of mental illness is considered
an important element in the stigma process. Against this background, it is the aim
of this study to examine whether public continuum beliefs vary with the severity of
depressive symptoms.
Methods: Analyses were based on computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs)
conducted in winter 2019/2020 in Germany (N = 1,009, response rate 46.8%). Using
three vignettes representing mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms, beliefs
regarding the continuity of symptoms, specifically a fundamental difference, were
assessed with seven items. Sociodemographic characteristics and own experiences with
depression (affliction and contact) were introduced as covariates.
Results: Significant differences between the three groups of severity were found
for the majority of the items measuring continuum beliefs or perceived fundamental
difference. However, only few items showed a linear trend indicating a parallel between
symptom severity and beliefs. Multivariate regression models showed that a moderate
degree of depression was positively associated with stronger continuum beliefs but
also with greater perceived difference compared to the mild degree, while no significant
associations emerged for the severe vignette.
Limitations: Although a comparison of our sample with official statistics supports the
external validity, we cannot rule out a selection bias. It is arguable in how far short case
vignettes convey a holistic picture of a person affected by depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: Our results do not indicate a parallel between symptom severity and public
continuum beliefs.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa:de:qucosa:84486 |
| Date | 31 March 2023 |
| Creators | Makowski, Anna C., Schomerus, Georg, von dem Knesebeck, Olaf |
| Publisher | Frontiers Research Foundation |
| Source Sets | Hochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion, doc-type:article, info:eu-repo/semantics/article, doc-type:Text |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | 1664-0640, 666489 |
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