To blame or not to blame: the role of belief in free will in substance use and suicide stigma

Abstract

Belief in free will reflects the view that behaviors can be controlled via willpower. If a condition is thought to result from a lack of willpower, individuals with that condition may be subject to higher levels of stigma due to greater attribution of blame. In a study conducted online, we manipulated belief in free will experimentally by giving 200 Turkish participants a list of sentences about free will and asking them to explain why these statements are either true or false (depending on their randomly assigned condition). The manipulation did change significantly belief in free will and substance use stigma, but not suicide stigma. Furthermore, belief in free will mediated the effect of the manipulation on stigma related to both substance use and suicide. Efforts to reduce stigma related to substance use and suicide may include strategies to change beliefs about the role of free will in these conditions.