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Multicenter Study
. 2009 Dec;195(6):551-2.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.109.067157.

Self-stigma, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination and mental health service use

Nicolas Rüsch  1 , Patrick W Corrigan, Abigail Wassel, Patrick Michaels, Jonathon E Larson, Manfred Olschewski, Sandra Wilkniss, Karen Batia
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Self-stigma, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination and mental health service use

Nicolas Rüsch et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2009 Dec.

Abstract

Stigma may interfere with mental health service use. We measured self-stigma and stigma-related cognitions (group identification and perceived legitimacy of discrimination) at baseline in 85 people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or affective disorders. After 6 months, 75 (88%) had reported use of mental health services. Controlling for baseline psychopathology, perceived stigma and diagnosis, low perceived legitimacy of discrimination predicted use of counselling/psychotherapy. Strong group identification was associated with participation in mutual-help groups. More self-stigma predicted psychiatric hospitalisation. Cognitive indicators of stigma resilience may predict out-patient service use, whereas self-stigma may increase the risk of psychiatric hospitalisation.

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References

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