Internalization of stigma and self-esteem as it affects the capacity for intimacy among patients with schizophrenia.
The study examines the relationship between internalization of stigma, self-esteem, and the ability of people diagnosed with schizophrenia to form intimate attachments with loved ones. The study included sixty patients with schizophrenia, ages 18-60, men and women. After providing informed consent, all participants completed four questionnaires: Demographics Questionnaire, Self-Esteem Scale, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale and the Intimacy Attitude Scale-Revised. Internalization of social stigma was found to be a statistically significant core factor that affects self-esteem and the ability to create intimacy among patients with schizophrenia. There was statistically significantly less internalization of stigma of mental illness among hospitalized patients than among individuals with schizophrenia who live in the community.
Nursing Department, Recanati School for Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Lev Hasharon Mental Health Center, Netanya, Israel. Electronic address: jennys@lev-hasharon.co.il.
Jenny
J
Segalovich
Adiel
A
Doron
Pnina
P
Behrbalk
Rena
R
Kurs
Pnina
P
Romem
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult