OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which people with mental illness in a New Zealand setting encounter stigma and discrimination and to examine their satisfaction with quality of life.

METHOD

Patients under the care of a range of community mental health services were invited to participate in a survey. Fifty-three females and 47 males completed questionnaires concerning stigma, discrimination and quality of life. Demographic and diagnostic characteristics were also recorded.

RESULTS

The majority of participants reported experiencing stigma and discrimination in a variety of contexts. In association with this, they had experienced dissatisfaction with their quality of life in a number of areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The experience of stigma and dissatisfaction with quality of life among people with mental illness is common. This has implications for clinical assessment and management.