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Adults Reject Children with Mental Health Conditions

New research findings published the Journal of Health and Social Behavior suggest that American adults are biased against children with mental health conditions. Using data from face-to-face interviews across the nation, Jack Martin from Indiana University found that adults are more likely to socially reject children with symptoms of mental health conditions than they are those with physical illnesses such as asthma. According to a news release issued by the Center for the Advancement of Health, “almost 30 percent of the 1,134 participants said they would not like their child to become friends of a child with depression, and almost one in four said the same thing about ADHD.” Furthermore, approximately one in five participants stated that they did not want a child with either depression or ADHD living next door. However, when asked about their child befriending children with either “normal troubles” or asthma symptoms, negative responses dropped to 10 percent or less in all categories.”

Also quoted in the news release is David Rabiner, director of undergraduate studies in the department of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University. He believes this study “highlights the difficulty that parents of a child with mental health problems … can have in helping their child make friends and be accepted by peers.”

The biases against children with mental illness appear to be pervasive. As mentioned in a previous Featured Discussion, peers are also more likely to socially reject youth with mental health conditions than youth with physical conditions.

These results may or may not be surprising, but they are unsettling and leave many questions. Where does this bias against children with mental health conditions come from? What, if anything, can be done to erase it? What is the appropriate venue for teaching mental health literacy?

We encourage you to post your reactions to this commentary below, including your opinions about:

How to eradicate biases against children with mental health conditions
How to support children with mental health conditions if they are socially isolated by peers
What can be done to change parent attitudes against children with mental health conditions?

As always, we look forward to your opinions and perspectives.

Your thoughts…

Comments:

Is Erin Gray Posting on this site? I saw her name before and wwant her to know that I am too suffering from illness. Please email me!!!! Posted Wednesday, March 12, 2008 by frank, fmcelligott@hotmail.com at 12:00 PM

Adult attitudes, do you think that maybe it is because some of the adults have been falsely and blindly labeled and had so called treatments coerced and forced on them over time, and felt the sting of the consequence of that? And perhaps even their children have been done this same way by this so called system we have set up? If you are able, and in this country many are able, to move up or in and out of social stratas you may see some things differently too? Perhaps it is the way that we look at things that are unproven and yet act as if they are facts that never go away and can't be changed or must just be accepted with out questioning them? That we can't see the full spectrums of life, and look at them to find alternative ways of thinking? I use to like having a title for something that was wrong with me too, other then having to take a real look at myself and those around me or maybe change my own attitudes and any of the things that I was doing wrong or how I was using these things as an excuse for my very own faults or to obtain different priveleges and benefits with. I am still tempted to do that in some ways, and in others not since I do know different things now too. I think one thing that helped me was that I was on our states disabilities council at one point in time. I actually had friends with some severe and some not so severe problems and I had to take a look at the them all and see how they seen things, but the way that most people see things now has been corrupted because of all of this. What is normal or abnormal, who decides that, the popular opinion, that changes too. Then too, I had to look at the general public and see how they may have felt about it, how our needs were all the same and how some who had different needs or concerns might have been affected by those that didn't or what they might be thinking about it. I think that it is not bad to look at our selves as long as we don't have to be called names for doing that, once we label a way of being, feeling, or seeing things different from the crowd, something most people use to be proud of, and excuse it by saying that it is the way it is or it can't be any different because it always is a part of this or that, then nothing seems to really have to change. Then it is all just some how accepted, nothing has to be done differently by anyone. I think that maybe was one of the greatest lessons a therapist ever gave me that I had to change and do things differently, me, myself, and I before things could be different for me. I do think that there may be others in the world that have some bad or strange or misinformed attitudes about a lot of things, and treat people ways that they themselves would never want to be treated, wouldn't accept being treated. So they excuse that by calling names and I really think that is the biggest part of the problem. They don't understand and so they can excuse even their own miseducation and bad behaviors towards others, people that they do not see the same as themselves or as good as themselves either. Again it is no ones fault and no one has to change anything do they that way? Stop calling it all a brain disease or the most popular label "mental illness" and putting it all in the same kettle and pick through the beans and clean the bad ones out before you cook them, and I think that peoples actual attitudes might change and the actual things that needed to be done or changed could be seen and might be done then. Wouldn't that be better? I personally think so and you may disagree? Posted Wednesday, January 30, 2008 by Janie Lee, M.Ed. at 12:09 PM

I feel that there is a major issue in our country with how our media looks at mental health in general. In the news we only see the worst case scenarios from the recent college shootings at Virginia Tec to movies and TV. Growing up I have to say that my light cerebral palsy that only gave me a slight limp was very much accepted and I had many friends but towards the end of my junior year of high school I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and lost friends that I had because they were afraid. I am in a great relationship now and have graduated from college in social work and looking at Grad schools so I can become a therapist and help young adults make there way through this rough world. I believe that as a society we need to embrace people who are different and show the strength of those who have a mental health disorder. We need to start bringing it in to the class room and discussing mental health in the elementary schools. Because if we create a good image than when someone friend becomes depressed or have mania people will not be shunned but supported. Traveling the world I have found that are negative thoughts of mental health is a US epidemic because it is looked at as a curse and something to fear compared to other societies in the world that embrace adversity.

I believe it will get better but we need to stop portraying negative images of mental health.
Posted Monday, September 24, 2007 by HSU BSW graduate 07 at 05:04 AM

Maybe some day he will be able to share his story about his accomplishments, despite his OCD. People need to put a face with the less symptomatic also in order to realize how many people struggle with mental health issues. Be strong and be proud that you and your son did not let this disorder get the better of you! Posted Tuesday, June 26, 2007 by JDS at 07:11 AM

Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! qibntxodtah Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 by nmqoaqgfpm at 06:47 PM

My son, who is 18 now and graduating from high school this week, never wanted ANYONE to know that he has obsessive compulsive disorder. (Meds helped him considerably so it wasn't completely obvious.) I understood his concerns and honored his request, but there were times when I thought that being able to share what he was up against with other adults who knew him would both increase their understanding of and empathy for not only him, but children with mental health issues in general. Truth to tell, I had my own concerns about some adults labeling my son if they knew. Stigma can be a vicious circle. Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 02:05 PM

I think the impact of this is evident in schools. I have seen teachers treat a child rudely, especially a child from a poor family. This role modeling of less than kind treatment ensures the stigma of mental illness will remain for the next generation. All of us need to examine our bias toward minority populations as well as those with a mental illness. Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 05:25 PM

How does this help to eradicate misconceptions about mental health disorders? What can be done to help you to be better educated about the facts of childhood mental health disorders? Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 09:41 AM

I do not reject the children, I had one that was labeled, I only wish that I knew then what I know now. I reject the false science and labels used to stigmatize and treat them. Only it is much worse now then it was even then. These children many times get labeled like this because poor parents do not know know how to obtain decent legal representation for them and the laws are being based around getting this kind of treatment. Most of this is being done in unconstitutional courts where our children do not have full rights of law to protect themselves with. I was a young very poor mom and did not know what I know now years ago. Until we have some valid and reliable medical scientific evidence for all of this which is not just being based on data base information I believe that our children deserve the best that they can get. That is not to be found in this system that we have now, nor is it in the labeling of them as having diseased minds that need to be drugged up. The best thing that came of that label was that I got enough money from social security to buy a home and give my child some real stability, but money does not equal a brain disease, I was lucky I did not have to drug him. He has grown up to be a pretty decent person, after all the lies and things that were told on him are behind him. Sure he made some mistakes all kids do especially if the system is making and keeping them confused, but once we got into a better school system he did better in school. I think that we are really going the wrong direction with all of this, no one should want a disease, everyone is capable of having problems and suffering and be misdirected at times. The things that are actually helping could all be done without these labels, treatments, and drugs, in different and better ways. It is sad that we have children in junior highs now that are commonly having drug parties with their friends on the weekends and the drugs they are taking to get high are called prescriptions. Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 04:24 PM

Cool! Posted Tuesday, May 8, 2007 by None at 08:14 PM

I am both surprised and hurt by this finding. I have struggled with depression for 24 years but I have always remained an active, industrious member of society. I can understand if our behaviors could put off certain people, but to be judged solely on the diagnosis is obsurd! I personally share my story and diagnosis openly with those I know. I do this to dispel the myths and help others put a "face" to the disorder. To thisday my mother minimizes the symptoms and says "everyone feels sad once in a while."
I am currently a director of services for children with Mental Health Disorders. My program not only offers direct support and counseling to the children, we also educate teachers, parents, and other community profesionals about the mental illnesses.
I hope others can do what I do, share your story and educate those around you. Posted Tuesday, May 8, 2007 by JDS at 02:29 PM

I am, for one, very sorry to hear about this latest sample of the public’s ignorance and refusal to overcome stigma. The results of this survey indicate that despite the vast amount of education, and technological advancements in the media, there are such a shocking number of American parents who would deliberately segregate their “normal” children from those who are suffering from mental illness. Massive anti stigma campaigns spearheaded by SAMHSA, Mental Health America, NAMI, DBSA, and others can only be effective if we pay more attention to educating the public about mental illness from elementary school through college. It is through these students and their potential for change, that we have any hope in fighting stigma. I am a registered pharmacist with a 35- year history of bipolar disorder. Since the age of 18, I have struggled greatly to achieve my ambition in becoming a medical professional. Due to a severe depression I had six years ago, I have been forced to retire from active practice and am currently on SS Disability. However, I have been fortunate in my recovery. I have strengthened my resolve to bring mental illness to light through public awareness. My presentations to the public often target the school system, in addition to my attention to other mental health consumers and their families. I believe that though we may not be able to enlighten the older generations as much as we’d like, the present generation and those in the future will have a better understanding and acceptance of mental illness if we are totally committed to education now.
Robert Elder BSPharm., R.Ph., CPNP
Posted Monday, May 7, 2007 at 06:01 AM

Hello, To whom it may concern My Name is Krystal I currently live with my mother. I am in high school and am currently a sophomore. I work at a local mall. My main Reasons for contacting you is to understand how to go about living independently when i turn 17 this December. my reason for wanting to leave home is because of my mother mental health. She is able to function for the most part but some times it gets hard living with her and adds extra stress to me focusing on school and work. I currently hold a 3.25 GPA while working at the same time. I have been working Part time for about 4 months at the same place and believe i can hold a job very well. So if you can please contact me with information on how to go about doing this, I would be more than grateful. This situation i do not take lightly, and i am willing to do whatever it takes to go about living independently. Thank you, Krystal

Please note: RTC Staff members have reviewed this post and have removed personal, indentifying information such as address, phone number, etc. Posted Thursday, April 26, 2007 by RTC Staff at 10:39 AM

We have 4 adopted FASD children, and can I ever relate to this subject! My 16 year old daughter has only been invited to 1 birthday party by peers, and her parties we attended by only 1 or 2, tho many more would say they were coming. She had a school principal tell her she could not attend her class valentine party "because that was for loving kids only" (she is very loving and forgiving). A parent told me to find another pool for her lessons as she didn't want her child "contaminated" by my daughter! The attitudes of adults leads to bullying by peers. She finally ran to the streets to a pimp "to find acceptance". What a tragedy! I have often (guiltily) wished she had some physical indication of her special needs, soshe would be treated with compassion, not contempt. Because she looks "normal" she is so looked down upon by adults that fear mental health diabilities. I believe the media can have either a negative or positive influence on our attitudes. I also believe our court system needs to do a better job of dealing with those who victimize these children, and the government can do a better job of providing needed services, without which many of these vulnerable but valuable members of our society loose their way and get into trouble. Posted Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 09:26 PM

"These results may or may not be surprising, but they are unsettling and leave many questions. Where does this bias against children with mental health conditions come from? What, if anything, can be done to erase it? What is the appropriate venue for teaching mental health literacy?"
ANSWER:
The "bias" as you refer to it is a natural protective action by a person's MIND.

A child whose MIND needs to "vent" its generation of negative [fearful] energy in behavorial activity is overflowing with intense fear... and unknown to behaviorally trained professionals, our MINDs communicate to one another via what I call DEc, or Direct Esotertic communicaton. A child with a MIND filled with fear will naturally "fire off" anyone who comes in contact with that child... and those being stimulated can do little about it...save work on themselves.
James W. Patterson, Ph.D., Esogist Posted Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 01:20 PM

The biggest challenge is how to change adult attitudes because those attitudes are modeled by children! The challenge is: how do we get their attention and get them to listen when their minds are closed? I believe one way to achieve this is with public service announcements on television in prime time slots. We need to start by giving voice to the irrational fears and then insert the rational facts.
This could be followed by specials on local affiliates of national networks and insert in newspapers to not only to dispel myths but also to teach them how to teach their children to reach out to children who have psychiatric diagnoses and support them. This type of movement would have to be initiated by a consortium of national-level agencies like SAMHSA, NMHA,
NIH, the Ads Center and others and then trickled down to local advocate agencies to "bring it home". Posted Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 07:57 AM