Informatics Publishing Limited

Ruby Charak ¹, Samia Kohli ¹, Eisha Gohil ¹, Jaitte Vaid ¹, Jagdish Thappa ², Pallavi Sachdeva ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Jammu, Jammu, IN
2 Department of Psychiatry Govt. Medical College, Jammu, IN
3 Center for Adult and Continuing Education University of Jammu, Jammu, IN

Abstract

The stigma associated with mental illness leads to elevated distress and proves to be a hurdle in the path for treatment. The present study aims to assess the effect of gender and type of illness on perceived stigma and self esteem in people with mental illness. A purposive sample of 137 (53 females, 84 males) patients using cross sectional design was collected from Psychiatric Diseases Hospital and De-addiction Centre in Jammu City. The objective of the study was to assess whether there would be significant difference between female and male participants on the dimension of perceived stigma and self esteem; and whether there exists significant difference between people suffering psychotic disorders and those from neurotic disorders on the dimension of perceived stigma and self esteem. Two way Analysis of Variance was carried out. Results indicated significant effect of gender on perceived stigma but not on self esteem. Type of illness had a significant effect on perceived stigma but not on self esteem. Post Hoc test also revealed that the female participants perceived more stigma due to mental illness than males; and people with psychotic disorders perceived stigma more than people with neurotic disorders. While the stigma of having a mental illness can be demeaning in an unsupportive environment, it also reduces the chance of seeking treatment in an attempt to hide the presence of the illness in turn leading to worsening of symptoms. The need of the hour is to psycho-educate masses about mental illness and associated treatment procedures.

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Eisha Gohil ¹, Ruby Charak ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, IN
2 Department of Developmental Psychology VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, IN

Abstract

Ageing is a biological reality and in many developing countries it is seen to begin at a point when active contribution is no longer possible. While some dimensions of ageing grow and expand overtime, others decline. The present study aimed to assess how gender and type of residence affect meaning in life, life satisfaction and positive and negative affect in older adults. Sample encompassed 100 participants (27 female&23 male old-age home inmates, 30 female and 20 male residing at home) in the age range of 60-105 years from Jammu. The objective of the study was to measure the main and interaction effect of gender and type of residence on the dimensions of meaning in life, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect by using MANOVA. Results indicated significant main effects of gender and type of residence on the presence of meaning in life, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. No interaction effect was found. One-way ANOVA revealed that main effect of gender was due to negative affect (higher in males) and effect of type of residence was due to presence of meaning, life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect.

Keywords

Old Age, Gender, Type of Residence, Meaning in Life, Life Satisfaction, Affect

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Eisha Gohil ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, IN

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to highlight the problems faced by eunuchs in the Indian society. Sex is biologically defined while gender refers to socially constructed difference between man and woman. Third gender-the eunuch “Hijra” (Is south Asian language) refers to individual who do not come under the definition of male or female gender. Eunuchs or “Hijra” communities existed in nearly all parts of world with their own limited identities, customs and rituals. In present India, hijras comprise the most exploited and impoverished sections of the society and they do not get any sympathy. Hijras are a highly secretive group and scientific studies on them have been few and far between. It is noted that society has still a lot of misconceptions and incorrect information about hijras and their way of life and how they came to join such groups. Government should more actively approach to eunuchs and develop public awareness program to handle the issues related to the third gender. Collected data showed that the majority of eunuchs are discriminated and they are being physically, verbally, and sexually abused. The deprivations, alienation, and hostilities encountered by eunuchs since early childhood are so deep and extreme that, at some point, finding no other social space, they exclude themselves.

Keywords

Eunuchs, Discrimination, Third Gender, Hijra.

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