Self-Esteem and Stigma Among Persons With Schizophrenia: Implications for Mental Health

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between perceived stigma and self-esteem among adults with schizophrenia. The sample was drawn from three outpatient public mental health clinics in Southern California in September to November 2002. The following selection criteria were used to identify 31 respondents: (1) a diagnosis of schizophrenia and (2) stable symptoms. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Stigma was measured using the Devaluation-Discrimination Measure. The strongest areas of stigma reported by those surveyed were related to hospitalization. The self-esteem of the respondents was moderately high. A Pearson’s r correlation indicated that there was a significant, moderately strong correlation, with a higher level of perceived stigma associated with a lower level of self-esteem. Findings suggest that using a strengths-based approach and a recovery case management model is recommended to decrease stigma and promote self-esteem among persons with schizophrenia.