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Fear and Shame: using theatre to destigmatise mental illness in an Australian Macedonian community
Author(s) -
Blignault Ilse,
Smith Sally,
Woodland Lisa,
Ponzio Vince,
Ristevski Dushan,
Kirov Suzanna
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he10120
Subject(s) - macedonian , shame , population health , mental illness , mental health , health psychology , public health , health economics , community health , medicine , psychiatry , psychology , nursing , social psychology , history , ancient history
Issues addressed Previous research has revealed low levels of mental health service utilisation and widespread discrimination towards people with mental illness in Sydney's Macedonian community. As an extension to a multifaceted community intervention to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma, a Macedonianlanguage play was produced. Methods Qualitative data from earlier studies and professional experience were used to craft a script that was performed by actors from the Macedonian community. Eight performances at three venues were attended by approximately 1,600 people. Telephone interviews with 236 audience members (including 76 with personal or family experience of mental illness) and 25 key informants were conducted 1–10 months later. Data were analysed and compared with data collected preintervention. Results Compared with the earlier data, the audience sample was significantly more likely to report positive community attitudes toward people with mental illness and their families, and to favour disclosure to extended family and friends. They also indicated greater willingness to seek help from health services. Key informants reported greater service utilisation since the play was staged. Conclusions Building on previous work, theatre was an effective means of disseminating information and reducing stigma around mental illness in the target community. So what Culturally competent interventions facilitate access to health services among ethnic minorities. Applied theatre could be a valuable strategy in destigmatising mental illness and promoting mental health in communities with a theatrical tradition.