J Korean Med Sci.  2023 Jan;38(3):e25. 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e25.

Influence of Biogenetic Explanations of Mental Disorders on Stigma and Help-Seeking Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Baek CH
• Kim HJ
• Park HY
• Seo HY
• Yoo H
• Park JE

• KMID: 2538374
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e25

Abstract

Background
Biogenetic causal explanations of mental disorders are commonly used for public education and campaigns. However, the influence of biogenetic explanations on the ideas about and attitudes toward mental illness is unclear. We examined the influence of biogenetic explanations on attitudes toward mental disorders using a meta-analytic method accompanied by subgroup analyses.
Methods
The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020158656) in March 2020. Experimental and correlational studies were analyzed separately. Five outcome measures related to attitudes toward mental disorders were included: ‘attitude toward helpseeking,’ ‘blame,’ ‘perceived dangerousness,’ ‘prognostic pessimism,’ and ‘social distance.’ Subgroup analyses were performed for the type of mental disorder, population, and geographic region for which a biogenetic explanation was provided.
Results
A total of 44 studies were included, of which 24 were experimental and 20 were correlational. A positive attitude toward help-seeking was associated with having a biogenetic concept (d = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.67; P < 0.001) in general population and in Eastern countries in particular. Although a biogenetic explanation was associated with a decreased level of blame (d = −0.20; 95% CI, −0.38 to −0.02; P = 0.029) in the general population, it was also associated with significantly higher levels of perceived dangerousness (d = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.23; P = 0.008). A tendency toward a higher level of prognostic pessimism and social distance was associated with a biogenetic concept of mental disorders although there was no statistical significance.
Conclusion
Having a biogenetic concept of the cause of mental disorders was related with a positive attitude toward help-seeking, particularly in the general population and individuals living in Eastern countries. Providing a biogenetic explanation decreased blame toward individuals with mental illness but was associated with increased perceived dangerousness and prognostic pessimism. Therefore, although a biogenetic explanation use of mental health services, it should be carefully applied to avoid an increase in negative thoughts, such as that mental illness is biologically irreversible and untreatable.promotes public

Keyword

Mental Disorder; Biogenetic Explanations; Help-Seeking; Stigma; Mental Health Service Use

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Meta-analysis flow-chart.

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  Fig. 2 Forest plots show meta-analysis of studies on attitude toward help-seeking. (A) Experimental studies. (B) Correlational studies.SE = standard error, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 3 Forest plots show meta-analysis of studies on blame. (A) Experimental studies. (B) Correlational studies.SE = standard error, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 4 Forest plots show meta-analysis of studies on perceived dangerousness. (A) Experimental studies. (B) Correlational studies.SE = standard error, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 5 Forest plots show meta-analysis of studies on prognostic pessimism. Experimental studies.SE = standard error, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 6 Forest plots show meta-analysis of studies on social distance. (A) Experimental studies. (B) Correlational studies.SE = standard error, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 7 Outcome of meta-analysis. Solid line arrows denotes a significant results. Red arrows: significantly increased results; Blue arrows: significantly decreased results; Black dotted arrows: increasing or decreasing tendency, while statistical significances were not shown; (-): no any definite tendency.

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