Date Presented

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Christopher Neale

Second Advisor

Dr. Ei Hlaing

Third Advisor

Dr. Allison B. Jablonski

Abstract

There is an existing stigma surrounding mental health and related treatment that affects individuals seeking proper care for their mental health concerns. Previous research has failed to sufficiently examine the effects of mental health stigma on medication adherence, particularly in those who are prescribed SSRI medications, as well as gender differences regarding beliefs around mental health. The current research study aimed to explore the differences in mental health stigma between medicated and unmedicated groups as well as between genders. Further exploration is given to whether overall beliefs about mental health predict medication adherence. The Endorsed and Anticipated Stigma Inventory and the Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale were used to assess overall beliefs about mental health and medication adherence, respectively. In support of the hypotheses, those who are unmedicated showed higher levels of negative mental health stigma when compared to medicated individuals. In addition, the medicated participants who scored significantly higher on the stigma subscales reported lower levels of adherence to their medication, suggesting increased mental health stigma may be a barrier to mental health treatment. Aligning with previous research, men scored significantly higher on stigma scales compared to women. As stigma is often unconscious or internalized, mental health must become less stigmatized to increase treatment seeking, adherence to medication, and overall support and understanding for those with mental health struggles. By increasing awareness among all individuals, no matter their medication status or gender, the stigma surrounding mental health will decrease.

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