Title

Clinical Depression: The Effects of Stigma on Productivity

Author

Brophy, Lynn N. N. Brophy, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date

2001

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Chairperson (Advisor 1)

Dr. Richard Brynteson

Reader (Advisor 2)

Dr. Kimora Kachelmyer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover whether stigmas associated with clinical depression prevent or delay individuals from seeking professional assistance thereby affecting productivity and recovery.

The hypothesis of the researcher is that a direct correlation exists between stigma and productivity in depressed individuals and that stigma is what blinds society, a majority of physicians, and insurance companies to the fact that depression is a serious and sometimes fatal illness.

The objective of this study was to increase understanding of depression in the workplace by interviewing individuals about their experiences with depression and comparing those to the researchers personal experience with the behaviors observed in Group X to prove or disprove the hypothesis.

The researcher prepared a written questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. Three individuals were given the questionnaire. All recipients preferred to respond in writing and to remain anonymous.

Data collected from the three written questionnaires, the personal experiences of the researcher and behavior observations of Group X were reviewed and compared for stigma and productivity correlation. A portion of the information compiled from this study will be submitted to government Employee Assistance Programs and Human Resource Departments to be utilized as a tool in Suicide Prevention Programs.

The researcher recommends this study be implemented in the Suicide Prevention Program of the researcher's organization and included in the supervisory training curriculum for all supervisors.

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