The Exploration of Stigma and Discrimination Among Patients Suffering from Depression: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the lived experiences about Stigma and Discrimination among participants diagnosed with Depression. Transcendental phenomenology was used as a research inquiry by focusing on Husserl’s concept of epoch and bracketing in order to get a fresh perspective towards the phenomenon under investigation. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit a sample of 10 participants diagnosed with Depression with a duration of at least one year from out-patient’s settings of Lahore-based private and government hospitals. The DSM-V Cross Cutting Symptoms Measures level I were utilized to screen participants on comorbidity and the severity level of Depression. Furthermore, the interview was used as a data collection measure by exploring in depth semi-structured interview guide with the screened participants. The Van Kaam modified method for analysis was rigorously followed by the researchers through a series of steps such as epoche, phenomenological reduction (horizontalization and invariant constituents), and imaginative variation (individual structural and textural description). The composite description of the essence of the experiences revealed contextual factors of Stigma and Discrimination, experiences of stigma, and strategies needed to reduce Stigma and Discrimination about Depression. The study highlighted the need to develop culture-sensitive stigma reducing intervention to establish contact between patient diagnosed with Depression and the first level service provider.