title: Self-stigma, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination and mental health service use.
abstract: 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.
authors: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA. nicolas.ruesch@uniklinik-freiburg.de
authors: Nicolas
authors: N
authors: Rüsch
authors: Patrick W
authors: PW
authors: Corrigan
authors: Abigail
authors: A
authors: Wassel
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Michaels
authors: Jonathon E
authors: JE
authors: Larson
authors: Manfred
authors: M
authors: Olschewski
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Wilkniss
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Batia
mesh_terms: 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