The Stigma of Mental Illness - Bipolar Disorder: How It Can Be Overcome (PT-IV)

Self-Worth, Self-Esteem as a Social Construct

Self esteem is the “positive or negative feelings we attach to ourselves and the judgments we make of our own worth” (Sandsrtom K. L. et al. 2003. p. 105). Reinforcing positive self esteem offers promise to resisting secondary deviance. The interactionist Charles Horton Cooley posits self esteem is an active participation. He describes this as a process of developing and sustaining a self encompassed by self-appraisals. These are “based on active and selective interpretations of others views and judgments” (Sandstrom K. L. et al. 2003. p 105).

Morris Rosenburg and Howard Kaplan propose there are three levels of comparison for self esteem (Sandstrom K. L. et al. 2003. p. 106). The first comparison is relative to the past self, which determines self as more or less virtuous and competent than the former self. Next, how potential is viewed and the belief of what can or cannot be accomplished is evaluated. Lastly is the comparison of self to others. In the selection of others the preservation or enrichment of self esteem is primarily sought. This is accomplished two ways – comparing to those worse off and avoiding comparisons with those who are better off. To control social comparison and protect self-esteem selective associations are chosen with similar others. Even though this may be a reinforcement of self-esteem, it also knocks on secondary deviancy’s door.

The interactionist further places emphasis of self-efficacy or the sense of social competency and self control with interactions and behavior (Sandstrom K. L. et al. 2003. p 107). The assertive application of self to vigorously change his/her environment and/or conditions brings self reward transcending the appraisals of others. Self esteem that is founded on efficacy is essential as it produces experiences of self-worth that is unique to self.

Challenging the Label: Strategically Redefining the Social Self

Lastly, in the labeling process the deviant has the choice to challenge the label within its social construct. This stage, which is known as tertiary deviance, is highlighted by the deviant seeking a new identity and redefining the deviant act(s) or attributes as normal, worthy or honest (Sandstrom K. L. et al. 2003. p. 170 – 172). The deviant disowns and resists the defined label while renegotiating a place in the generalized social order. Immeasurable steps are taken seeking to transcend the labeled deviant identity into a socially acceptable one.

Assisting the component of self esteem in overcoming deviance and the associated stigma are strategies – normalization, neutralization and destigmatization (Sandstrom K. L. et al. 2003. p. 164 – 168). These seek to influence others attributions, and counter the meanings of stigmatizing symbols. Normalization basically conceals the rule breaking activity with its attributes seeking a composed self. Passing is one technique used, which suggests positive attributes in place of the negative. This requires a high level of control over what is presented and minimal detection. Covering is blatantly hiding detectable attributes as another less formidable one. Another is insulating, which is restricting social interactions or affiliations with others removing the deviant from the probability of detection.

Neutralization counters the act(s) of deviance with rationalization as a means of explanation. Interactionist researchers propose six different techniques. These are 1) the denial of responsibility, 2) the denial of injury, 3) the denial of a victim, 4) condemning the condemners, 5) appealing to a higher purpose or other loyalty, and 6) claims of normality (Sandstrom K. L. et al. 2003. p 165 – 166). Neutralization is a process of justification, which provides excuses while recognizing the authority of the threatened values. This disallows being subject to attributions of deviance.

When avoidance or neutralization is accompanied with the deed of replacing the deviant identity with normalcy the course of action is known as destigmatization. This promotes a new master status unlike that of the stereotyped deviant label. Two prominent techniques are purification and transcendence. With purification the stigmatized identity is exchanged for one of value through a spiritual change or rebirthing. New characteristics like self sacrifice or benevolence replaces the rule breaking acts. Unlike purification transcendence accepts responsibility for the rule breaking; however it seeks to climb the ladder. This is accomplished by living to standards higher and not common to the deviant’s attributions. Some strive to exceed persons of normalcy excelling under greater lifestyle or workplace demands. The goal is to convey that they are normal or better than normal. Another technique is distancing, which is disavowing attributions of deviance. Separation from roles, associations or institutions related to the deviancy and its attributions offers a sense of security.

Part I

Introduction to Stigma

Part II

Overview of Mental Illness: “The Mark”

Stereotyping is a Social Construct

Part III

Part IV Defining Deviance: The Social Element of Mental Illness

Part V Deviance is a Label of Social Construct

Part IV

Self Worth, Self Esteem as a Social Construct

Challenging the Label: Strategically Redefining the Social Self

Part V

Personal Opinion

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