Self-Stigma Reduction Group for People With Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) on reducing self-stigma in Chinese people with depression. Methods: By adopting a randomized controlled trial design, 62 participants with clinical depression were randomly assigned to a 10-session CBT or treatment as usual. Standardized assessment tools were used to assess the self-stigma and depressive symptoms in the pre- and posttreatment periods by a research assistant who was blind to the group assignment of the participants. Results: The results of the 2 × 2 repeated measures of covariance (analysis of covariance) demonstrated that after completing the therapy, the treatment group had significantly lower self-stigma scores than the control group. Additionally, the reduction in self-stigmatizing beliefs predicted a reduction in depressive symptoms in participants. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy and effectiveness of a CBT group intervention in reducing self-stigma for people with clinical depression living in Chinese society.

Feasibility of Self-Guided Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for University Students During COVID-19

“…Second, anonymity and avoiding stigmatization : Owing to the stigmatization of mental illness by traditional Chinese cultural values, college students with anxiety disorder are perceived as having a mental illness due to their own weaknesses, and failing to comply with the basic duties advocated by Confucianism, and subsequently they experience “shame,” “devaluation,” and “loss of face” ( Young & Ng, 2016 ; Young, Ng, Corrigan, Chiu, & Yang, 2020 ). “Face concern” (mianzi) has been an important issue among local Chinese people seeking counseling, and “loss of face” leads to additional psychological distress for them ( Mak, Chen, Lam, & Yiu, 2009 ).…”