The DOI matches its Crossref record; 56 of the 57 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
“Depression is who I am”: Mental illness identity, stigma and wellbeing
Abstract
Background Previous research has found that in the face of discrimination, people tend to identify more strongly with stigmatized groups. Social identification can, in turn, buffer wellbeing against the negative consequences of discrimination. However, this rejection identification model has never been tested in the context of mental illness identity.Methods A survey was conducted with 250 people with diagnosed depression or current symptoms of at least moderate clinical severity.Results Experiencing mental illness stigma was associated with poorer wellbeing. Furthermore, people who had experienced such stigma were more likely to identify as a depressed person. Social identification as depressed magnified, rather than buffered, the relationship between stigma and reduced wellbeing. This relationship was moderated by perceived social norms of the depressed group for engaging in depressive thoughts and behaviors.Conclusions These findings suggest that mental illness stigma is a double-edged sword: as well as the direct harms for wellbeing, by increasing identification with other mental illness sufferers, stigma might expose sufferers to harmful social influence processes.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“Some authors have highlighted the social role of diagnostic labels, such as Cruwys and Gunaseelan (111) who found that people diagnosed with depression tended to identify more with their diagnosis when they faced stigma, using the identification with a group as a buffer against discrimination.”
From Recovery from Severe Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review of Service User and Informal Caregiver Perspectives (2021) · cites this paper as [111]
Citations
Cites
The satisfaction with life scale
Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985) · Journal of Personality Assessment · doi:10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13 · Cited by 31,768
Lovibond, P. F., & Lovibond, S. H. (1995) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/0005-7967(94)00075-u · Cited by 14,523
An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (2000) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780199269464.003.0005 · Cited by 12,701
The Social psychology of intergroup relations
Austin, W. G., & Worchel, S. (1979) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 11,577
Henry, J. D., & Crawford, J. R. (2005) · British Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1348/014466505x29657 · Cited by 5,801
Perceived discrimination and health: A meta-analytic review.
Pascoe, E. A., & Smart Richman, L. (2009) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/a0016059 · Cited by 4,427
Review of the Satisfaction With Life Scale.
Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (1993) · Psychological Assessment · doi:10.1037/1040-3590.5.2.164 · Cited by 3,611
Review of the Satisfaction With Life Scale
Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (2009) · Social indicators research series · doi:10.1007/978-90-481-2354-4_5 · Cited by 3,462
Statistical mediation analysis with a multicategorical independent variable
Hayes, A. F., & Preacher, K. J. (2014) · British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology · doi:10.1111/bmsp.12028 · Cited by 3,403
Branscombe, N. R., Schmitt, M. T., & Harvey, R. D. (1999) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.77.1.135 · Cited by 2,623
Flagged first, then by citations
1 of the 57 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 101–162 of 162
Goepfert, N. C., Lehr, K., Zillich, L., von Heydendorff, S. C., Dreßing, H. R., & Bailer, J. (2019) · PPmP - Psychotherapie · Psychosomatik · Medizinische Psychologie · doi:10.1055/a-0838-4953 · Cited by 3
Pedrero, V., & Manzi, J. M. (2025) · Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1002/casp.70082 · Cited by 2
The influence of social identity on depression and its theoretical explanation
Yan, L., Yiren, Y. U. A. N., Wang, J., ZHANG, Y., & Linchuan, Y. A. N. G. (2022) · Advances in Psychological Science · doi:10.3724/sp.j.1042.2023.00657 · Cited by 3
Lyu, M. A. (2023) · Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1002/casp.2696 · Cited by 2
Ayala, Y., Tordera, N., Karaeminoğulları, A., & Bayona, J. A. (2025) · International Journal of Organization Theory and Behavior · doi:10.1108/ijotb-05-2024-0093 · Cited by 3
Reducing Stigma and Enhancing Care for People Who Use Alcohol
Link, K. M., Bryant, B. E., & Boness, C. L. (2025) · Journal of Health Service Psychology · doi:10.1007/s42843-025-00124-8 · Cited by 2
Shimmin, S. (2019) · e-space (Manchester Metropolitan University) · Cited by 2
Depression and Suicide in the “World’s Happiest Countries”
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0013 · Cited by 1
The Artist Mindset: A Collaborative Autoethnography by a Poet and a Psychiatrist
Taniguchi, Y., & Cullen, K. R. (2025) · Journal of Medical Humanities · doi:10.1007/s10912-025-09970-5 · Cited by 1
Cheng, Y., Cruwys, T., Robertson, A. M., Stevens, M. V. A., & Haslam, S. A. (2026) · British Journal of Social Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjso.70078 · Cited by 2
Self-citationGroup processes and physiological health in group-based interventions: A systematic review
Lebedová, A., Griffin, S. M., Ahern, E., & Muldoon, O. T. (2026) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053261436307 · Cited by 1
Introduction to the Realm of Paraphilias
Balon, R. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-42650-1_1 · Cited by 1
‘Finally, I could breathe’: the utility and impact of a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder
Hughes, F., & Kinderman, P. (2023) · Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy · doi:10.1017/s1352465822000637 · Cited by 1
Azulai, A. (2016) · Libraries and Cultural Resources (University of Calgary) · doi:10.11575/prism/27556 · Cited by 1
A SOCIAL IDENTITY ANALYSIS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PERCEIVING DISCRIMINATION AS ILLEGITIMATE
Dirth, T. P. (2018) · KU ScholarWorks (The University of Kansas) · Cited by 1
The Relation Between Gender Identity and Well-BeingPreprint
Zitelny, H., Dror, T., Altman, S., & Bar‐Anan, Y. (2019) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/gzsd5
Barrow, J., Knowles, S., & Worrall, E. (2019) · Clinical Psychology Forum · doi:10.53841/bpscpf.2019.1.317.22
Narrative interview in the study and support of adolescent adaptive identity development
Haertlé, I. (2023) · Psychoterapia · doi:10.12740/pt/162569
DIFFERENT INFLUENCES ON SMOKING HABITS RELATED TO AN ONLINE TOBACCO PREVENTION PROGRAM
Ábrám, Z., & Topadă, A. (2023) · Journal of International Scientific Publications : Ecology & Safety. · doi:10.62991/es1996248276
Agyei, F., Aikins, A. D., Tutu, A. O., & Annor, F. (2024) · Journal of Psychology in Africa · doi:10.1080/14330237.2024.2363677
de Moor, E. L., Bodden, D. H. M., & Branje, S. (2025) · Self and Identity · doi:10.1080/15298868.2025.2451800 · Cited by 1
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.002.0009
Dimensions and Implications of Cultural Identity
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0004
Seeing Depression Through A Cultural Lens
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.001.0001
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.002.0006
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0002
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0006
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: Depression in Traditional Medicine
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0009
South Korea: Han and Passionate Intensity
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0012
Picturing Depression: Faces, Backgrounds, and Foregrounds
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0001
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.002.0003
Cultural Identity and Personal Biography
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0005
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0018
Cultural Correlates and Clinical Consequences
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0008
Depression and Social Class: A Four-Dimensional View
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0007
Japan: Invisible Double-Edged Swords
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0011
China: Confucian Harmony and Dissonance
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0010 · Cited by 1
Beyond Shades of Gray: Depression and the Bipolar Spectrum
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0003
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.002.0007
Flying High, Feeling Low: Depression in Airline Pilots
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0017
American Regional Cultures and Geography of Mood
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0014
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.002.0004
The Dark Side of Creative Talent
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0015
Physicians in Pain: Depression in the Medical Profession
Fogel, B. S., & Jiang, X. (2025) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780190850074.003.0016
Fischera, W., Lucas, D. A., & Griffiths, M. (2025) · Acta Psychologica · doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105313 · Cited by 1
Öztürk, G. K., Mete, S., & Özdi̇l, K. (2025) · Psychology Health & Medicine · doi:10.1080/13548506.2025.2569108
Literary Representations: Writing About Men
Wilkins, C. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-05442-5_3
Expert, activist and vulnerable: Discursive construction of mental health identities on social media
Nattembo, A. (2026) · Health Literacy and Communication Open · doi:10.1080/28355245.2026.2672053
Cederberg, M., Barenfeld, E., Ali, L., Ekman, I., Goulding, A., & Fors, A. (2023) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.24494155
Social media groups could foster mental health self-efficacy through social identification
de Siqueira, A. U. B., Montiel, C., Doré, I., & Cárdenas, D. (2026) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-026-04319-6
Skrodzka, M., Smith, E. M., Foran, A., Shelly, C., Brance, K., & Muldoon, O. T. (2026) · European Journal of Social Psychology · doi:10.1002/ejsp.70075
Capacity Building Through Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Neitzke‐Spruill, L., & Rose, J. R. (2026) · Psychiatric Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.psc.2026.02.002
Relations intimes & troubles psychiques sévères : vers une amélioration des accompagnements
Caiada, M. (2024) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/82354f0fz192az442fz8b0dz79dd75be1564
Bevens, W., & Stadnick, N. A. (2026) · Journal of American College Health · doi:10.1080/07448481.2026.2663303
Western, K. A. B., Cruwys, T., Evans, O., & Ryan, M. K. (2026) · Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1002/casp.70286
Self-citationWhelan, E., Griffin, S. M., Ahern, E., Lebedová, A., McMahon, G., Bradshaw, D., & Muldoon, O. T. (2026) · Campbell Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1177/18911803261471160
Follmer, K. B., & Thomas, B. (2026) · Work and Health · doi:10.1093/9780197692332.003.0006
Wilson, C., Rouf, K., & Hewitt, O. M. (2026) · Mental Health Review Journal · doi:10.1108/mhrj-02-2026-0016
Employees with mental illness: A person‐centered review of their perspectives and experiences
Nault, E., Follmer, K. B., & Castro, M. D. (2026) · Applied Psychology · doi:10.1111/apps.70143
Social Identities and Long COVID
Rubin‐McGregor, J. (2026) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.70186
Metadata
- Authors
- Cruwys, T., & Gunaseelan, S.
- Affiliations
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Cruwys, Tegan
- ORCID
- Cruwys, Tegan
- Venue
- Journal of Affective Disorders
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2016-01
- Volume
- 189
- Pages
- 36-42
- ISSN
- 0165-0327 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1875970793
- Cited by
- 162
- References
- 57
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 41 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 6
- FWCI
- 12.55
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Affective Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Racial and Ethnic Identity Research
- Keywords
- mental health stigma, depression, social identification, well-being, discrimination, social norms, social influence
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Depression, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Queensland, Social Adjustment, Social Identification, Stereotyping, Social Stigma
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review