Latent Profiles and Correlates of Mental Health Stigma in India

BACKGROUND: Stigma toward mental health problems is now being understood as a context-dependent, multidimensional concept. Nonetheless, empirical research continues to study stigma as a monolithic aspect, obscuring meaningful within-group variations. Such inquiries often obscure the people-centered patterns of stigma within the population. Recognizing such patterns aids in better understanding how stigma differentially influences help-seeking and resilience in the context of mental health. AIMS: Accordingly, the present study seeks to identify latent profiles for stigmatizing attitudes and their correlates among Indian adults. The study also explores how these profiles potentially differ in resilience and help-seeking attitudes. METHODS: The data were collected via a cross-sectional survey with 564 Indian adults. Standardized self-report measures like the Attitudes Toward Mental Health Problems Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale - 10-item version, and the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services were used. RESULTS: Latent Profile Analysis revealed a four-profile model that differed significantly in resilience and help-seeking attitudes. Further, a multinomial logistic regression revealed attitudes toward seeking mental health services, accessibility, reliance on religion, and mental health awareness as correlates of profile membership. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the presence of multiple patterns of stigmatizing attitudes among Indian adults. The results of this study could inform practice, policy, and context-sensitive interventions to reduce stigma and promote the use of mental health services.