Technical overview of the Standardised Stigma Measure

(SSM)

Einführung

The Standardised Stigma Measure, known as SSM, is a quantitative research instrument developed to evaluate stigma consistently across populations. Stigma, particularly in relation

to body image and perceived social norms, contributes to mental health challenges, reduced participation in community life and lower engagement with outdoor wellbeing activities.

Despite its significance, NSW currently has no unified tool capable of measuring stigma systematically and comparing results across demographic groups.

The SSM provides an evidence-based foundation for understanding the prevalence and impact of stigma throughout NSW. It is designed to support policymaking, mental health

planning, youth wellbeing strategies and community development initiatives.

Purpose of the SSM

The SSM was created to:

measure stigma levels consistently across diverse populations identify groups most affected by stigma understand behavioural and emotional impacts inform preventive health and education programs track changes in stigma over time support research-led policy design.

The instrument has applications in health, education, community wellbeing, youth programs and public planning.

Structure of the measure

The SSM uses a multi-dimensional scale with clearly defined domains. Each domain captures a specific aspect of stigma based on established psychological and social theory.

The core domains include:

Perceived judgment. Measures how strongly individuals feel evaluated by others based on appearance or identity.

Internalised stigma. Captures the degree to which individuals adopt negative beliefs about themselves.

Behavioural avoidance. Assesses the extent to which stigma discourages participation in social, recreational or outdoor activities.

Emotional impact. Measures associated anxiety, stress, low confidence and emotional withdrawal.

Social perception. Evaluates views of acceptance, belonging and inclusion within community settings.

Each domain uses Likert-type items with standard scoring, allowing comparisons across age groups, regions and cultural backgrounds.

Reliability and validity The SSM was developed using standard psychometric practices, including:

item refinement

content validation

pilot testing

internal consistency assessment

clear scoring rules

The measure was designed to align with international research on stigma, body image, mental health and social inclusion, ensuring conceptual relevance and scientific robustness.

Further validation would occur during the statewide study through collaboration with NSW universities and mental health researchers.

Data collection applications

The SSM is suitable for multiple research contexts, including:

online surveys

school-based wellbeing assessments

workplace studies

community health programs

population sampling across regions

research in parks and outdoor spaces

Its flexible structure allows it to be deployed at scale while maintaining consistent methodology.

Scoring and interpretation

Each domain generates a sub-score, and the tool produces a combined stigma index for broader interpretation. Higher scores indicate greater levels of perceived or internalised

stigma and higher likelihood of associated emotional or behavioural impacts.

Results can be segmented by age, gender, locality, cultural background and socioeconomic status. This segmentation provides actionable insights for targeted programs and resource

allocation.

Policy relevance

The SSM can support NSW Government objectives in:

mental health and suicide prevention

school wellbeing and anti-bullying programs

community inclusion strategies

public health promotion

youth development

park and community space planning

By quantifying stigma, the SSM delivers evidence to guide new programs, improve existing initiatives and reduce long-term mental health burden.

Integration with the proposed statewide study

The statewide study recommended in the NSW Budget Submission would use the SSM as its primary instrument. Key applications include:

establishing a stigma baseline for NSW

identifying vulnerable groups

understanding how stigma influences behaviour

examining barriers to public space participation

supporting program design in health and education

monitoring stigma over time

Findings would be published in a public report, informing policy and guiding future mental health initiatives.

Schlussfolgerung

The Standardised Stigma Measure is a structured, reliable and scalable tool designed to

quantify stigma and its effects on wellbeing. Its use in a statewide study would provide NSW

with important evidence to shape mental health programs, improve community inclusion and

guide preventive health planning. The SSM offers a scientifically grounded foundation for

understanding and addressing stigma at a population level.