Public stigma in XXXX : do direct versus indirect questions make a difference?

@entity1 @entity717
BACKGROUND: Stigma may negatively impact individuals with @entity717 ( @entity717 ). However, most studies in the field have been based on the use of direct measurement methods for assessing stigma. This study examined public stigma towards individuals with @entity717 within a representative sample of the Israeli public by comparing direct versus indirect questioning. METHODS: Vignette methodology was utilised with two questionnaire versions. In the direct questionnaire (n   =   306), the @entity1 were asked how they would think, feel and behave if a @entity1 with @entity717 asked them a question in a public place. In the indirect questionnaire (n   =   301), the @entity1 were asked to report how a hypothetical 'other @entity1 ' would think, feel and behave in the same situation. RESULTS: Higher levels of stigma were reported among @entity1 that answered the indirect questionnaire version. Furthermore, among those @entity1 that answered the indirect questionnaire version, subjective knowledge of @entity717 was a less important correlate of stigma than for those @entity1 that answered the direct questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Several explanations are suggested for the finding that indirect questioning elicits more negative stigmatic attitudes. Among others, indirect questioning may be a more appropriate methodology for eliciting immediate beliefs. Furthermore, the results call for implementing a comprehensive, multi-level programme to change stigma.
