What Is A Stereotype? The Role Of Stereotypes In Mental Health

Mental health and therapy are topics that come with many biases, stigmas, and preconceived notions. It may be beneficial for individuals new to therapy and the topic of mental health in society to approach it with an open mind, as many of the stereotypes related to mental health may hinder personal progress and hamper meaningful growth and healing. 

Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, and leaning on stereotypes related to therapy and mental health when considering the decision to seek mental healthcare may hold you back from healing and treatment. Avoiding stereotypes may help individuals remain open to experiencing the process in an unbiased, personalized, and committed manner. 

What is a stereotype?

Stereotypes play a pivotal role in how everyday individuals perceive the importance of mental health and seeking treatment. Stereotypes can significantly impact an individual’s mental health, leading one to feel like they must conform to societal expectations or risk ostracization. To prevent this, it can help to be aware of stereotypes related to mental health and be mindful of biases that may be present.

Awareness of stereotypes may help reduce social pressure and stigma surrounding mental health conditions, allowing individuals to focus more on their own needs and feelings instead of trying to fit into pre-existing societal norms. Additionally, understanding the impact of stereotypes on one's mental health can potentially help individuals understand why certain behaviors may trigger negative thoughts or feelings. 

In one study that looked into the impact that stigma has on mental health care, researchers discovered that being aware of societal stereotypes may be able to improve the likelihood of individuals seeking therapy. There are a few types of stereotypes that may be helpful to learn about, which we’ll explore below.

Gender stereotypes

Gender roles are commonly assigned in society, and these expectations often create pressure on individuals who may not fit the traditional norms. Gender-related pressures may lead to feelings of personal shame, guilt, and disappointment. They may also create a sense of low self-esteem and strain relationships with friends and family.

In addition to causing mental distress, gender stereotypes may limit opportunities for personal growth and exploration. These expectations may influence decision-making regarding career choices and academic pursuits or affect an individual’s willingness to explore the potential of therapy. This correlation is why it may be helpful to differentiate between gender stereotypes created by society versus individual experiences and identities. 

Cultural stereotypes 

Cultural stereotypes are assumptions that are made based on culture, social norms, or nationality. These false perceptions can lead to people being judged unfairly and prevent them from being accepted into society. Cultural stereotypes can also put undue stress and pressure on individuals who feel they need to fit into a certain mold to be accepted. 

Stereotyping someone’s culture may influence them to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about admitting they need help, resulting in them avoiding therapy-based interventions. Additionally, therapists may be biased towards certain cultures due to their own cultural stereotypes, which could prevent them from providing equitable care for individuals from different backgrounds. 

Stereotype threat 

Stereotype threat refers to the phenomenon of feeling anxiety related to being reduced to the stereotype associated with the social group individuals may belong to. Experiencing a disruptive mental state may increase the risk of conforming to negative stereotypes.  

In one study, researchers examined the role of stereotype threat in women’s ability to perform during math examinations. Their team found that when young women were reminded of their sex before the test when asked to tick a “female“ or “male” box, they were likelier to score lower than when there was no box to tick. This study demonstrates the effect of stereotypes on people’s ability to excel in certain situations due to the pressure of preconceived notions.

Extensive research has been conducted on this subject, and researchers consistently highlight the fact that it may be helpful for treatment providers and clients in the mental health setting to acknowledge the presence of different perspectives without being disheartened by them. As individuals interact across cultural and personal divides, biases are inevitable. Some characteristics that can benefit these conversations are mutual understanding, inclusion, and compassion. 

Addressing stereotypes in therapy

It may benefit clients and therapists to maintain an unbiased and individual mentality when tackling mental health challenges. This approach means focusing on the interaction between individuals instead of applying broad conclusions based on stereotyped behavior or characteristics.

Doing so may allow individuals to better understand themselves and others, which may help create more meaningful connections with others while also fostering their own self-acceptance. It can encourage individuals to take responsibility for their actions rather than rely on preconceived notions about how they and others should behave in any situation.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective tool that can be used to help individuals confront and dismantle negative, internalized stereotypes they may have about themselves or society. By targeting distortions in thinking and maladaptive beliefs, CBT may help break down socially-constructed and hurtful stereotypes in order to foster a more positive outlook on oneself and focus on the individual’s experiences. 

One way in which CBT can help individuals combat stereotypes is by teaching them how to challenge unhelpful thought patterns. In therapy, individuals may learn how to identify their negative presumptions related to mental health and replace them with more realistic, objective perspectives instead. Consistent practice may help individuals become aware of the cognitive distortions they have adopted due to ingrained societal stigmas around mental health. 

For example, if someone has been taught not to talk about their experiences with depression or anxiety, CBT may help them unlearn these thoughts and address the root causes. By learning how to explore the connections between emotions, behavior, and cognitions, those engaging in CBT may be able to draw attention away from society’s limiting labels and learn how to trust their judgment and intuition. 

How online therapy can help

Individuals who experience depression and anxiety may experience symptoms that make it difficult to leave their homes and seek therapy. In addition, many cultural stereotypes related to therapy may make individuals with these conditions experience further barriers to finding adequate care. Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may offer such individuals a way to reach compassionate and culturally-sensitive therapy from the comfort of their own homes. 

In one study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of online CBT in addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression. In the study, researchers discovered that online therapy was effective for improving symptoms of depression. This study highlights the fact that online therapy may be able to offer professional mental health care to individuals who may be working through the negative mental health effects that can result from stereotypes.