Fighting Stigma in the Community: Bridging Ties Through Social Innovation Interventions

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Author(s): Nicolina Bosco (University of Florence, Italy), Susanna Giaccherini (Public Mental Health Service of Tuscany, Italy), Fausto Petrini (University of Florence, Italy), Stefano Castagnoli (Public Mental Health Service of Tuscany, Italy)and Patrizia Meringolo (University of Florence, Italy)
Copyright: 2021
Pages: 29
Source title: Research Anthology on Mental Health Stigma, Education, and Treatment
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Information Resources Management Association (USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8544-3.ch051

Keywords: Medical Information Science Reference / Mental Health & Behavioral Studies / Psychiatry and Mental Health / Social Sciences & Humanities

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Abstract

This chapter will discuss action research conducted in Tuscany to fight stigma surrounding mental illness. Public mental health services (PMHS) in Italy are perceived as ascribing a mentally ill label to individuals who utilize these programs. Local associations, especially sports associations, can be used to fight this stigma. This chapter will present key aspects and results of a community social innovation intervention jointly performed by a PMHS and the University of Florence. The research will explore perceptions surrounding the role and value of the community sports association, participants' perceived improvements, effects of sports participation, and the role of the sports association as an instrument to promote mental health. Results will show that the sports association is perceived as an agent of social capital to reduce social barriers emerging from mental illness. In addition, stigma is deconstructed through improvements to individual and social wellbeing.

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Fighting Stigma in the Community: Bridging Ties Through Social Innovation Interventions

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