Rejection of the Mentally Ill: Continuities and Further Developments

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Abstract
In general, research designed to investigate reactions toward the mentally ill and other deviants, has not systematically varied salient nondeviant identities. This study demonstrates that the meaning attributed to behavior indicating mental-emotional problems is contingent upon other salient, nondeviant identities held by the actor. Two factors, perceived threat and unpredictability, are offered as accounting for the major patterns and intensities of rejection exhibited toward the mentally ill. Perceived threat and predictability are viewed as functions of the interaction of information implying both deviant and nondeviant identities. Previous research findings are reinterpreted in light of information provided by the present study.

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