Development and Effects of a Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Based Program in Reducing Internalized Stigma in Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to develop a internalized stigma reducing program based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and appropriate for patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: The study design was a mixed method research. Qualitative study, 13 patients with schizophrenia who had experience in overcoming stigma were purposively chosen for interviews and data were analyzed using Giorgi method. Quantitative study, 64 patients with schizophrenia (experimental group =32, control group =32) were recruited. The cognitive-behavioral therapy-based program for reducing internalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia was provided for 8 weeks (12 sessions). Data were collected from June. 20, 2013 to Feb. 14, 2014. Quantitative data were analyzed using χ²-test, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA with the SPSS program. Results: Qualitative results, from the experience of coping with stigma in patients with schizophrenia seventeen themes and five themes-clusters were drawn up. Quantitative results showed that internalized stigma, self-esteem, mental health recovery and quality of life were significantly better in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Study findings indicate that this program for reducing internalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia is effective and can be recommended as a rehabilitation program intervention to help patients with schizophrenia to cope with internalized stigma.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Affect, and Wellbeing among People with Schizophrenia

“…The personal and internal stress factors experienced by people with schizophrenia in the community include side-effects caused by antipsychotic drugs, other health problems [6], psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions of persecution, and reduced quality of life and wellbeing due to frequent cycles of hospitalization and discharge [7]. Furthermore, people with schizophrenia experience discrimination in their daily life, as well as a high level of stress from social prejudice and stigma [8]. Psychosocial rehabilitation therapy and drug therapy have been provided to people with schizophrenia to reduce their stress, control symptoms, and restore function [9].…”

Cognitive behavioural therapy for women with infertility: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Specifically, infertility-related stress can be characterized by identity crises or loss of identity as a woman and potential parent, interrelational strain, perceived social isolation and stigma, anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem (Woods et al, 2022). As reported in previous studies, CBT not only has shown benefits for emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression (Abdollahi et al, 2018;Sexton et al, 2010) but also has a positive effect on reducing stigma (Kim & Jun, 2016), as well as improving self-esteem (Domar et al, 2000).…”