Prof. Dr. Keith Dobson

Clinical Psychologist CBT Specialist

Topic: The Stigma of Mental Disorders: Causes, consequences and corrective strategies

Social Profiles

Dr. Keith Dobson is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary, where he served in various leadership roles, including the inaugural Director of the Clinical Psychology Program and Head of the Department of Psychology. Over his career, Dr. Dobson has made substantial contributions to the study of depression, particularly through cognitive-behavioral therapies. His research includes more than 340 published articles, 80 chapters, and 18 books, with notable recent works such as The Stigma of Mental Illness (2021) and Treatment of Psychosocial Risk Factors in Depression (2023). His expertise and scholarly output have cemented his status as a leader in clinical psychology.

Dr. Dobson has also been a key figure in mental health advocacy, particularly through his role as a Principal Investigator for the Opening Minds program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. In this position, he has focused on reducing the stigma associated with mental disorders, especially in workplace settings. Dr. Dobson’s influence extends internationally, as he has presented his work at numerous conferences and workshops around the world, furthering his impact on mental health awareness and stigma reduction. His involvement in organized psychology in Canada includes serving as President of the Canadian Psychological Association, where he contributed to professional standards and ethics within the field.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Dr. Dobson has received multiple awards, including the Canadian Psychological Association Gold Medal for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology. He is also a Fellow of esteemed institutions such as the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and the Royal Society of Canada. Recently, he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, highlighting his dedication and contributions to psychology and mental health advocacy.

Abstract

It has been said that the stigma related to mental disorders has greater consequences than the disorder itself for some people. Stigma can take a variety of forms, including social stigma, self stigma, and structural stigma. In this presentation the various ways in which stigma can exhibit itself will be described, and some of the potential consequences of stigma will be also highlighted. The work of a recent Lancet commission on stigma and discrimination (2022) will be summarized, before the presentation turns to strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the impact of stigma. Responsibilities for these strategies include those of health care professionals, international organizations such as EABCT, governmental and nongovernmental agencies in the field of mental health, employers and the media. Some of these responsibilities will be highlighted, and work from the Mental Health Commission of Canada will be presented. The presenter has been working for the past decade in the development and evaluation of programs that are aimed at stigma reduction, and some of the outcomes from this research will be presented. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of shared responsibilities to address stigma and its negative consequences.

Sessions

Day 3

13th June 2025 (Friday)

9.00am – 10.30am

Venue Location

11 - 13 June
Genting Highland, Malaysia
apcpc@taylors.edu.my

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