Mental Illness Self-Stigma in Young People: A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract

Background: Self-stigma (the internalisation of negative stereotypes) is known to reduce help-seeking behaviours and treatment adherence in people who have a mental illness, resulting in worsening health outcomes. Moreover, self-stigma diminishes self-esteem and self-efficacy, and leads to higher levels of depression. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness have manifested by the age of 14, and therefore young people are vulnerable to the negative impact of suffering mental illness self-stigma. While literature in this field has been flourishing in recent years, mental illness self-stigma remains poorly understood in youth. It is important that we seek to understand what is currently known about mental illness self-stigma in young people, and subsequently use this information to guide future research to advance knowledge of this topic. To date, a scoping review which maps the available literature on mental illness self-stigma in young people has yet to be conducted. Here, we outline the protocol for a scoping review on mental illness self-stigma in young people. Methods: This protocol outlines the process of conducting a scoping review of primary research concerning mental illness self-stigma in young people. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidance on best practice for conducting a scoping review will utilised throughout. A systematic search of appropriate databases will be conducted which will allow for a two-step screening process and data charting. Inclusion criteria for this review dictates that eligible studies will i) include a population within the age range of 10-35 (or mean age within this range), ii) include the term self-stigma or internalised stigma relating to mental health/illness/disorder, iii) be primary research, iv) be published post-2009 (following the seminal study by Moses, 2009) and v) be published in English. Discussion: The findings of the scoping review outlined in this protocol will be used to inform future research which aims to explore self-stigmatising attitudes and beliefs of young people experiencing mental illness. This research will result in co-produced, impactful resources for young people on the topic of mental illness self-stigma with the aim of raising awareness and stigma reduction.

Which factors affect internalized stigmatization in adolescents with mental disorders?

“…Internalized stigmatization is defined as the internalization by the individual of the negative and rejecting societal feelings and thoughts toward mental disorders (Corrigan & Rao, 2012; Taylor et al, 2021; Vogel et al, 2013). Even without having been exposed to objective exclusion and discrimination, internalized stigmatization causes an individual to believe they are stigmatized and excluded by society.…”

“…For example, an individual who considers persons with mental disorders to be dangerous and inadequate, after being diagnosed with a mental disorder, may describe themself as dangerous or incapable of managing their own life. Internalized stigmatization is a factor that affects self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy (Kranke et al, 2015; Taylor et al, 2021), hope (Berry & Greenwood, 2018; Taylor et al, 2021), starting and maintaining treatment, and well‐being (Kamaradova et al, 2016; Taylor et al, 2021). Because of internalized stigmatization, individuals do not feel worthy of taking action in many areas of life such as finding work or making close friends.…”

“…Because of internalized stigmatization, individuals do not feel worthy of taking action in many areas of life such as finding work or making close friends. This response can cause an increase in depressive symptoms, negative health outcomes, and a decrease in recovery rates (Taylor et al, 2021).…”

“…Although internalized stigmatization is a problem frequently encountered in adolescents with mental disorders, there are few studies on this subject (Kranke et al, 2015; Mukolo et al, 2010). When these studies were examined, there were no studies before 2009 (Moses 2011; Taylor et al, 2021). As there has been a dramatic increase in the frequency of mental disorders seen in adolescents, the importance of this subject has come to prominence (Taylor et al, 2021).…”

“…When these studies were examined, there were no studies before 2009 (Moses 2011; Taylor et al, 2021). As there has been a dramatic increase in the frequency of mental disorders seen in adolescents, the importance of this subject has come to prominence (Taylor et al, 2021).…”