Stigma Science Teacher Guide Stigma Smashers
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Subject
Psychology (Gr. 11-12)
Duration
50 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Analyze the historical transition from supernatural/moral explanations of mental illness to biological/scientific models.
Conduct targeted research on macro-level factors (Scientific Understanding, Investment, Accessibility) that influence stigma.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the "Scientific Model" in reducing social stigma.
Core Video Resource
Title: How we can overcome stigma
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrpF0XnmQJk
Note: This lesson utilizes the intro for macro goals and later segments for teaching moments on language and empathy.
Required Materials
Laptops/Tablets
Stigma Smashers Slides
Shattering Stigma Worksheet
Whiteboard/Markers
Instructional Flow & Pacing
10 MIN
Warm-up: The Supernatural Roots
Direct students to the Warm-Up section on their worksheet. Ask them to brainstorm historical explanations for mental illness based on the video's mention of "religion, moral failings, or supernatural causes."
Example prompts: Trepanation (releasing demons), Exorcisms, Witch trials, Lunar influences (lunacy).
5 MIN
Video: Macro Goals
Watch the first minute (0:00-0:58). Focus on the Macro Goals : Scientific Understanding, Research Investment, and Treatment Accessibility.
Key Quote: "There is no link between mental illness and religion, moral failings, or supernatural causes."
25 MIN
Main Activity: Research Sprint
Divide the class into three groups based on the Macro Factors. Each group researches:
Scientific Understanding: How has our biological view of one specific illness (e.g., Schizophrenia) changed in 50 years?Research Investment: How has funding for brain research (like the BRAIN Initiative) increased since the 1970s?Treatment Accessibility: How did the 1963 Deinstitutionalization Act change access (and where did it fail)?
10 MIN
Presentations & Closure
Groups share one "Then vs. Now" fact. Conclude with a debate: "Does labeling mental illness as a 'brain disease' actually reduce stigma?"
Teacher Note: Some research suggests biological explanations can actually increase desire for social distance (the "broken machine" metaphor). This is a great high-level discussion point.
Vital Teaching Moments (Video Pauses)
Pause at 1:50 (Language)
Brainstorm "Labeling" vs "Person-First" language.
Example: "He's a bipolar" vs "He is a person living with bipolar disorder." How does the second phrasing preserve humanity?
Pause at 3:00 (Equality)
Discussion: Why is it socially easier to tell a teacher you have a migraine than an anxiety attack?
Explore the "invisible" nature of mental illness compared to physical injury.
Pause at 3:40 (Check-ins)
Role-Play: What do you say when a friend says they are "not good"?
Practice active listening: "I'm here for you," rather than trying to "fix" the problem immediately.
Stigma Smashers Slides STIGMA SMASHERS
From Supernatural Roots to Scientific Understanding: Changing the Narrative on Mental Health
AP Psychology / IB Psychology Unit
Key Vocabulary
Stigma
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. In psychology, it often involves social rejection and discrimination.
Person-First Language
The practice of putting the person before the diagnosis (e.g., "a person with depression") to emphasize humanity over the condition.
Empathy
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another by virtually "putting yourself in their shoes."
Macro Factors
Large-scale societal influences like policy, research funding, and scientific consensus that drive cultural change.
Warm-Up Activity
"It's just a moral failing..."
Historically, mental illness was linked to religion, supernatural causes, or weak character .
BRAINSTORM (2 MIN):
What are some historical "treatments" or "explanations" that came from these non-scientific beliefs?
Watch: How We Overcome Stigma
0:00 - 0:58
Embedded media
"There is no link between mental illness and religion, moral failings, or supernatural causes."
The Macro Research Sprint
Team A: Science
Macro Factor:
Increasing scientific understanding of the causes of mental illness.
Focus: Schizophrenia or Depression (Then vs Now)
Team B: Investment
Macro Factor:
Investing in scientific research of causes and treatments.
Focus: NIH Funding or BRAIN Initiative
Team C: Access
Macro Factor:
Making treatments more accessible to the community.
Focus: Asylums vs Community Health Centers
The Scientific Debate
"If we treat mental illness like a broken leg, will the stigma disappear?"
YES
It removes blame and moral judgment.
MAYBE NOT
It might make people see the brain as "permanently broken."
Shattering Stigma Worksheet Shattering Stigma Worksheet
Psychology Research Lab
Student Name
Date / Period
Part 1: Historical Roots
The video mentions that stigma often stems from linking mental illness to religion, moral failings, or supernatural causes . Brainstorm 2-3 historical examples of how these beliefs influenced "treatments" or societal views.
Part 2: Macro Factor Sprint
GROUP ACTIVITY
Scientific Understanding
Research Investment
Accessibility
Historical Fact (50+ Years Ago):
Modern Progress (Current Understanding/State):
The Remaining Gap (One area where work still needs to be done):
Part 3: Person-First Language
Convert the following "Labeling" phrases into "Person-First" language to separate the person from their condition.
Labeling: "He is a schizophrenic."
Person-First:
Labeling: "The OCD students in class..."
Person-First:
Exit Reflection
The video claims that "Science reduces stigma." In your opinion, is this always true? Can explaining a behavior as a "chemical imbalance" sometimes make stigma worse? Explain your reasoning.
