title: Psychometric assessment of the Arabic version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) measure in a refugee population.
abstract: The study explored the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the ISMI measure on an Arab sub-sample (N = 330) in a health clinic that served mostly refugees in Michigan, USA. Study measures included the ISMI, PTSD, depression, anxiety, CTD (Cumulative Trauma Disorders), and traumatic stress measures. Data analysis included factor analysis, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The Arabic form of the measure was found to have robust psychometric qualities, with high reliability construct and predictive validity. Factor analysis identified a general stigma factor and different levels of stigma resistance factors. General stigma was significantly associated with and predicted post-trauma symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and CTD (complex PTSD), while tough stigma resistance was associated negatively with PTSD and depression and positively with positive appraisal of traumatic events.
authors: Center for Cumulative Trauma Studies kiraaref@aol.com.
authors: Ibrahim A
authors: IA
authors: Kira
authors: University of Michigan.
authors: Vidya
authors: V
authors: Ramaswamy
authors: University of Massachusetts.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Lewandowski
authors: Center for Cumulative Trauma Studies and Access Community Health and Research Center.
authors: Jamal
authors: J
authors: Mohanesh
authors: Access Community Health and Research Center.
authors: Husam
authors: H
authors: Abdul-Khalek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018912:Arabs; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology; D008824:Michigan / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Arab; psychometrics; stigma; traumatic stress