Which stigma-reduction strategies are evidence-based?

• A. Isolation and avoidance of people with mental illness.
• B. Punitive measures against individuals with mental illness.
• C. Ignoring the issue.
• D. Education to dispel myths and contact with individuals with lived experience.

Answer: (D)

Reducing stigma effectively comes from approaches that research has shown to change attitudes and behavior, particularly combining accurate information with real, positive exposure to people who have lived experience with mental illness. Education dispels common myths and teaches that mental illness is understandable, treatable, and compatible with leading a meaningful life. When people are informed about what mental illness is, what it isn’t, and how recovery can happen, they’re less likely to rely on stereotypes.

Contact with individuals who have lived experience is powerful because it moves abstract ideas about “them” toward concrete, personal understanding. Direct interactions help challenge fears, reduce social distance, and foster empathy by highlighting common humanity and everyday capabilities. The impact is stronger when the contact is voluntary, occurs in positive, respectful settings, and involves opportunities for meaningful, equal-status interactions.

So, combining education to dispel myths with opportunities for contact with people who have lived experience is the evidence-based approach to reducing stigma. In contrast, isolating people, using punitive measures, or ignoring the issue neither corrects misinformation nor build empathy, and these options can worsen stigma or neglect to improve attitudes and behaviors.