Self-stigma, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination and mental health service use.
Stigma may interfere with mental health service use. We measured self-stigma and stigma-related cognitions (group identification and perceived legitimacy of discrimination) at baseline in 85 people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or affective disorders. After 6 months, 75 (88%) had reported use of mental health services. Controlling for baseline psychopathology, perceived stigma and diagnosis, low perceived legitimacy of discrimination predicted use of counselling/psychotherapy. Strong group identification was associated with participation in mutual-help groups. More self-stigma predicted psychiatric hospitalisation. Cognitive indicators of stigma resilience may predict out-patient service use, whereas self-stigma may increase the risk of psychiatric hospitalisation.
Rüsch
Nicolas
N
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA. nicolas.ruesch@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Corrigan
Patrick W
PW
Wassel
Abigail
A
Michaels
Patrick
P
Larson
Jonathon E
JE
Olschewski
Manfred
M
Wilkniss
Sandra
S
Batia
Karen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D013240:Stereotyping; D055815:Young Adult