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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 5/2016

01-05-2016 | Original Paper

Experience of stigma in private life of relatives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia in the Republic of Belarus

Authors: D. Krupchanka, N. Kruk, J. Murray, S. Davey, N. Bezborodovs, P. Winkler, L. Bukelskis, N. Sartorius

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 5/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Family stigma constitutes a major problem in schizophrenia worldwide. Data on first-hand experience of stigma in families is necessary for planning and implementing interventions to reduce its burden. The aim of the study was to investigate the experience of stigma among relatives of persons with schizophrenia in Belarus.

Methods

Qualitative research methods, such as the thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 relatives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, were used. Experience of discrimination, strategies used to cope with it, and requests for interventions were investigated.

Results

The most salient themes in experience of stigma in the private domain of life elicited in the narratives included anticipated stigma and dissolution of families. The experience of stigma was associated with burdensome feelings of guilt, tiredness and loneliness, together with fear and anxiety due to uncertainty in the future and sorrow because of frustrated hopes in past. Analysis of the strategies used to overcome the difficulties revealed concealment and “life behind closed doors”, avoidance of the rest of the family, taking full responsibility and sacrificing one’s personal life.

Conclusion

To reduce the burden of stigma in the private life of the family members of people living with schizophrenia in Belarus, important steps should be taken to promote the empowerment of families including: reforming mental health services; provision of better access to information; family support services, community care; development of family organisations; assistance in communication, re-socialisation and independent living for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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Metadata
Title
Experience of stigma in private life of relatives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia in the Republic of Belarus
Authors
D. Krupchanka
N. Kruk
J. Murray
S. Davey
N. Bezborodovs
P. Winkler
L. Bukelskis
N. Sartorius
Publication date
01-05-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1190-y

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