THE STIGMATIZATION: ‘MARK OF SLAVES’ AND MENTAL HEALTH: EVIDENCE FROM VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stigmatization on the mental health of visually impaired students in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The research was hybrid since the methodology was mixed with quantitative and qualitative research approaches. For the quantitative approach, 80 students were selected based on the stratified sampling technique as the sample out of 100 population, and 07 students were selected through convenience sampling for the qualitative study. Visually impaired students believed that stigmatization had a significant negative impact on their mental health—further, the greater the discrimination of them, the lower the mental health of students. As well as, there was no significant impact of negative stereotypes and devaluation on mental health. In this study, stigma impacted the mental well-being of visually impaired students in the education sector. According to the previous researchers’ findings, people have been discriminated against in the workplace and education compared to people without disabilities. The main reason behind this situation is stigma. That stigma leads to the deterioration of the mental wellbeing of individuals. It can be concluded that if the stigma significantly impacts an employee or student, the mental well-being of that employee or student will decrease. If the stigma does not have a significant effect, mental well-being will improve.