Public stigma associated with mental health is recognised internationally as a major barrier preventing individuals from seeking evidence-based treatments. Such stigma seems particularly problematic among Asian populations, where discriminatory perceptions of those with mental health difficulties seem culturally embedded. Research consistently demonstrates that, among all mental health conditions, psychosis appears most stigmatised. Yet, studies on effective stigma reduction strategies associated with such condition are underrepresented. Two large scale randomised control trials were conducted in a South-East Asian society to evaluate effectiveness of single-session digitalised cognitive behavioural psychoeducation and indirect contact-based video intervention on reduction of public stigma toward individuals experiencing psychosis. Interventions were informed by evidence-based cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal and recovery-based approaches to psychosis. Digitalisation and brevity were adopted to support the accessibility, dissemination, wide reachability and low overhead costs of interventions. Stigma was assessed using standardised measures at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Interventions demonstrated statistically significant short-term effectiveness across several components of stigma, including stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, at post-intervention. However, these improvements were not sustained upon follow-up. The findings provide empirical support for the short-term effectiveness of tested interventions in reducing public stigma toward individuals with psychosis, while highlighting potential benefits of delivering such interventions digitally. However, it also transpired that such interventions conducted in the context of a collectivistic society did not produce sustainable effects in the reduction of public stigma, as the transient improvement in attitudes among individuals was subsequently counteracted by the influence of stigmatising beliefs perpetuated on a systemic level. 

Dr Pawel D. Mankiewicz, CPsychol, AFBPsS, EuroPsy, DClinPsy, MSc, is an accomplished clinical psychologist with an internationally established expertise in evidence-based treatments of psychosis, complex mood disorders and traumas, registered to practice in the United Kingdom with Health and Care Professions Council. He holds a Chartered status and Associate Fellowship with the British Psychological Society and has been awarded European Certificate in Clinical and Health Psychology by the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations. He has held senior academic positions at internationally renowned universities, including Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, University of Exeter, National University of Singapore, and University College London, and visiting clinical positions at University of Essex and University of Surrey. Dr Mankiewicz has worked across specialised settings in the National Health Service, UK, including Cambridge University Health Partners (University of Cambridge Teaching Trust), acute psychiatric wards and assertive outreach teams in East of England, and early intervention services in Greater London, holding both clinical and leadership roles. He now contributes his expertise to the training of clinical psychologists and development of mental health services in South-East Asia.