Rosanna May Maletta

Limited research has examined whether accumulation of discrimination over time is associated with worse mental health and whether such experiences are related to socioeconomic status (SES).
A sample of UK adults with self-reported discrimination experiences (n = 3863) was taken from 3 waves of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (2015–2020). Multinomial logistic regression assessed associations between SES (income, education, occupation) and cumulative discrimination (number of timepoints discrimination was reported). Logistic regression models assessed prospective associations between cumulative discrimination and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12; 4+ threshold).
Those with lower income were more likely to report discrimination at one timepoint (vs. none). No SES measures were associated with experiencing discrimination at multiple timepoints. Participants who reported one timepoint of discrimination (vs no experiences) were significantly more likely to report probable mental health problems (OR = 1.47, p < .001, 95 % CI 1.20–1.80). However, compared to those experiencing one timepoint, participants reporting multiple timepoints of discrimination were significantly more likely to report probable mental health problems (OR = 1.46, p = .002, 95 % CI 1.15–1.86), indicating a cumulative association between discrimination and mental health. There was limited evidence that SES moderated this cumulative association.
Mental health measures were based on self-report questionnaires and not a clinical diagnosis.
Amongst a sample of UK adults, perceiving discrimination at multiple timepoints increased the likelihood of experiencing probable mental health problems. There was limited evidence that this cumulative association differed by SES. National measures designed to reduce discrimination may benefit mental health.

Background Significant social and political changes occurred in the UK between 2015-2020. Few studies have examined population level trends in experiencing discrimination and mental health problems during this period.
Aims To determine prevalence trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems amongst UK adults during 2015-2020.
Method Repeated cross-sectional data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study was used to estimate nationally representative trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12; 4+ threshold) among adults between 2015/2016-2019/2020 (25,756 observations). Weighted logistic regression models with post-estimation margins commands determined changes between survey waves controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation models explored whether changes in perceived discrimination prevalence trends explained trends in probable mental health problems.Results From 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased significantly by 6?1% (95% CI: 3?4-8?8, p Conclusions Amongst UK adults, the prevalence of perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased between 2015/2016 to 2019/2020. Increases in perceived discrimination partially explained increases in probable mental health problems. National measures designed to reduce both discrimination and mental health problems have potential to make substantial improvements to public health and should be prioritised in the UK.

Experiencing discrimination is associated with poorer mental health and demographic patterning of discrimination may explain inequalities in mental health.
The present research examined prevalence of perceived discrimination in the UK and associations with inequalities in mental health. Data were taken from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (n = 32,003). Population subgroups (sex, age, ethnicity, health, religiousness, income, education, and occupation), perceived personal discrimination (personal experience) and perceived belonging to a discriminated group (identified as belonging to a group discriminated against in this country), and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12 assessed, cut off 4+) were reported on in 2019/2020. Nineteen percent of participants perceived personal discrimination in the last year, 9% perceived belonging to a discriminated group, and 22% had probable mental health problems. There were significant inequalities in both perceived discrimination and mental health. Being a younger adult, of mixed ethnicity, having health problems, having a university degree, and being unemployed increased risk of mental health problems and these associations were partially explained by perceived discrimination being more common among these groups.
Perceived discrimination is common among UK adults, but prevalence differs by population subgroup. Perceived discrimination may contribute to social inequalities in mental health.

Background: There have been increasing calls for schizophrenia to be renamed to reduce negative associations with the diagnosis. 'Psychosis' is one proposed alternative, yet some research suggests this has greater negative connotations. This study compared the use of both terms within UK newspapers longitudinally to assess which is more negatively portrayed in the media.Study design: Using LexisLibrary News, six UK newspaper archives were searched for the terms 'schizophrenia' and 'psychosis' in articles published between 2000 and 2019; the included article total was n = 9802. Articles were analysed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software.Study results: A two-level multilevel model was created of newspaper articles nested within newspapers. Adding predictors revealed that diagnostic term was a significant predictor of the emotional tone of articles (beta =-2.30, SE = 0.51, p < .001, 95 % CI-3.30 to -1.30), with 'psychosis' having a more negative tone than 'schizophrenia.' Tabloids were shown to have a significantly more negative tone than broadsheets (beta =-9.32, SE = 1.04, p < .001, 95 % CI-11.36 to -7.28), and emotional tone of writing had become more negative over time (beta =-0.26, SE = 0.04, p < .001, 95 % CI-0.34 to -0.18).Conclusions: These findings suggest 'psychosis' is associated with greater negativity than 'schizophrenia' within UK newspapers, and may be a poor substitute term to reduce stigma. As article tone worsened for both diagnoses over time, increased stigma reduction campaigns are required to target negativity within the media.