Table 2 Response characteristics and factor loadings for the Generalised Anxiety Stigma items

1. An anxiety disorder is not a real medical illness.

2. An anxiety disorder is a sign of personal weakness

3. People with an anxiety disorder could snap out of it if they wanted to.

4. People with an anxiety disorder should be ashamed of themselves.

5. People with an anxiety disorder do not make suitable employees.

6. People with an anxiety disorder are unstable.

7. People with an anxiety disorder are to blame for their problem.

8. People with an anxiety disorder are just lazy.

9. People with an anxiety disorder are a danger to others.

10. People with an anxiety disorder are self-centred.

Perceived stigma items

1. Most people think that an anxiety disorder is not a real medical illness.

0.673

2. Most people think that an anxiety disorder is a sign of personal weakness.

0.803

3. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder could snap out of it if they wanted to.

0.796

4. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder should be ashamed of themselves.

0.801

5. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder do not make suitable employees.

0.688

6. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder are unstable.

0.715

7. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder are to blame for their problem.

0.794

8. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder are just lazy.

0.779

9. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder are a danger to others.

0.639

10. Most people think that people with an anxiety disorder are self-centred.

0.708