Investigating Intergenerational
Stigma
What Inspired Us
Mental health is both deeply personal and universally significant. Our mission is to address a critical barrier: Intergenerational Stigma. This stigma occurs when negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health are passed down from one generation to the next, creating a cycle of silence and misunderstanding.
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The three of us share the common experience of facing this intergenerational stigma in our own lives. While we see its effects within and around us, we recognize the importance of data in providing a broader and more nuanced understanding of the issue. Guided by Dr. Stephanie Milan, Director of Clinical Psychology, we conducted an independent study surveying parents and students. With the support of Dr. Fany Hannon (Dean of Students) and John Armstrong (Associate Dean of Students), we gathered over 1,800 responses.
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Our data-driven approach has uncovered valuable insights into the complexities of intergenerational stigma. Through presentations at conferences and organizations, we aim to foster empathy, awareness, and actionable change—building understanding across generations and promoting compassion in mental health.
Our findings reveal a significant disparity in perceptions of student mental health. The light blue bars represent parent responses, while the dark blue bars reflect student responses. When asked about their mental health over the past year, 45.5% of students reported it as "somewhat" or "very bad." In contrast, 75% of parents believed their children were doing "somewhat" or "very well." This striking gap highlights a disconnect—despite parents' good intentions, they may not fully recognize the challenges their children are facing.
A Brief Look Into Our Findings
This chart highlights the different groups University of Connecticut Students and Parents choose to confide in about their mental health. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring effective mental health initiatives and resources. For students, friends and peers play a significant role, while parents often turn to partners or mental health professionals. These insights emphasize the importance of fostering open communication within families, schools, and communities to bridge gaps, reduce stigma, and ensure everyone has access to the support they need.
