Measuring Self-Stigma of Mental Illness in China and Its Implications for Recovery

Abstract

This study translated and validated the Chinese Version of the Self-stigma of Mental Illness Scale (CSSMIS), which may be used to measure self-stigma of mental health consumers in China. We also examined its correlation with self-esteem, self-efficacy and psychosocial treatment compliance. A cross-sectional observational study was implemented. Some 51 males and 57 females who suffered from severe mental illness were recruited from psychiatric settings in Hong Kong. They were required to complete the Chinese Version of the Self-stigma of Mental Illness Scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Self-efficacy Scale. Their level of compliance during psychosocial treatment and their demographic information were recorded by their case managers. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two homologous factors for the four subscales of the CSSMIS. Factor 1 was related to the negative beliefs and consequences of having mental disorders, whereas Factor 2 was related to positive beliefs. The perceived stigma subscale and the three self-stigma subscales were strongly inter-correlated. Significant correlations were also found between almost all subscales of the CSSMIS and the remaining scales. The psychometric properties of the CSSMIS are statistically acceptable. The results also suggest that stigma played a detrimental role in undermining self-esteem, self-efficacy and psychosocial treatment compliance. Implications for recovery of mental health consumers are discussed.

Effects of a Group Psychoeducation Program on Self-Stigma, Empowerment and Perceived Discrimination of Persons With Schizophrenia

“…Funget et al (2011) developed a program that includes five interventions: education about the illness, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, social skills training and achieving goals. They found increases in selfesteem as measured on the Chinese self-stigma scale (Fung et al 2007). Our review of self stigma reduction programs discovered that only two studies (Shin & Lukens 2002, Aho-Mustonen et al 2011) have investigated the impact of education about the illness on selfstigma reduction, other programs combine education and cognitive methods in the group, focusing on the topic of stigma.…”

Ageism in Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of Older Adults

“…Self-double stigmatization may have a negative effect on the ability of older adults with psychiatric conditions to seek help from mental health professionals. Studies have shown that internalized stigma related to mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) makes it more challenging for the patient to seek therapy (Fung et al 2007) and to comply with recommendations in psychotherapy (Mackin and Arean 2007).…”

“…Therefore, there are societal negative attitudes toward depressive patients (e.g., Boardman et al 2011). It has been suggested that negative attitudes towards depressive patients harm self-esteem and can worsen symptoms (Fung et al 2007). …”

“…Whereas higher negative self-perceptions of ageing are associated with more severe psychopathology, double stigmatization further impedes the tendency of older mental health patients to seek help from mental health professionals (e.g., Fung et al 2007). Several researchers have suggested that the underutilization of mental health services by older adults may result from the internalization of ageist attitudes by older patients (Levy 2003).…”

The Determination of Treatment Adherence and Affecting Factors Among a Group of Patients with Schizophrenia

“…Hastalık belirtilerini kötüleştirerek iyileşmeyi geciktirmekte; kişinin benlik saygısını ve öz yeterliliğini etkilemektedir. [3,10,[16][17][18][19] Tel ve ark. [20] yaptıkları çalışmada hastaların içselleştirilmiş damgalama düzeyleri arttıkça, benlik saygılarının azaldığı ve yıllık hastaneye yatış sayılarının değiştiği bulunmuştur.…”