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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-08-2019 | Original Paper

An integrative model of internalized stigma and recovery-related outcomes among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in rural China

Authors: Tian-Ming Zhang, Irene Yin-Ling Wong, Yue-Hui Yu, Shi-Guang Ni, Xue-Song He, John Bacon-Shone, Ke Gong, Chao-Hua Huang, Yan Hu, Ming-Min Tang, Wan Cao, Cecilia Lai-Wan Chan, Mao-Sheng Ran, CMHP Study Group

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 8/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Internalized stigma, an adverse psychological process, severely impedes the lives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and restricts them from social integration and recovery. The aim of this study was to empirically evaluate an integrative model of relationship between internalized stigma and patients’ recovery-related outcomes among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in a rural Chinese community.

Method

A total of 232 people diagnosed with schizophrenia in Xinjin, Chengdu, participated in this study and completed measures of internalized stigma, social interaction, perceived social support, social functioning, and symptoms. The internalized stigma of mental illness scale (ISMI) was used to measure the internalized stigma. Path analysis was used to test the association between internalized stigma and recovery-related outcomes.

Results

There were no significant differences in mean scores of ISMI by gender, age (18–64 years and ≥ 65 years), education, marital status, or economic capacity. Internalized stigma was negatively associated with perceived social support and social interaction. Furthermore, higher level of internalized stigma was associated with impaired social functioning, and a lower level of social functioning was significantly associated with more severe symptoms.

Conclusion

Internalized stigma is associated with poor social interaction and weakened perceived social support in people diagnosed with schizophrenia, and is linked negatively to outcomes in their recovery. It is essential to tailor interventions related to reducing internalized stigma within a Chinese context and evaluate the effectiveness of anti-stigma intervention on recovery for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

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Title: An integrative model of internalized stigma and recovery-related outcomes among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in rural China
Authors: Tian-Ming Zhang
Irene Yin-Ling Wong
Yue-Hui Yu
Shi-Guang Ni
Xue-Song He
John Bacon-Shone
Ke Gong
Chao-Hua Huang
Yan Hu
Ming-Min Tang
Wan Cao
Cecilia Lai-Wan Chan
Mao-Sheng Ran
CMHP Study Group
Publication date: 01-08-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 8/2019
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1646-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

An integrative model of internalized stigma and recovery-related outcomes among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in rural China

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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