title: Ending self-stigma: pilot evaluation of a new intervention to reduce internalized stigma among people with mental illnesses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated "Ending Self-Stigma" (ESS), a structured 9-session group intervention to help people with serious mental illnesses reduce internalized stigma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants from two Veterans Administration mental health sites were assessed before and after the intervention regarding their levels of internalized stigma, empowerment, recovery orientation, perceived social support, and beliefs about societal stigma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Internalized stigma significantly decreased, and perceived social support and recovery orientation significantly increased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "Ending Self-Stigma" is the first of its kind and may be a valuable intervention for reducing internalized stigma among people with serious mental illnesses, suitable for both professionally-delivered psychiatric rehabilitation programs and consumer-led programs and services.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland Medical School.
authors.forename: Alicia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucksted
authors.affiliation: VA Maryland Health Care System-VISN-5 MIRECC.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drapalski
authors.affiliation: VA Maryland Health Care System-VISN-5 MIRECC.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Calmes
authors.affiliation: VA Maryland Health Care System-VISN-5 MIRECC.
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: DeForge
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center PRRC.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boyd
mesh_terms: D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011287:Prejudice; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs