Psychosocial Correlates of Internalized Stigma Among Chinese Individuals With Severe Mental Illness

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine internalized stigma and its psychosocial factors among people with severe mental illness in China. A cross-sectional study was performed with 202 adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder in Beijing, China. Participants were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that 19.8% of participants had moderate-to-high ISMI scores, whereas the sample as a whole indicated a mild level of internalized stigma. A higher level of internalized stigma was associated with greater perceived discrimination, lower social support, lower family income, older age, and distancing coping. These factors may be important to consider for developing tailored interventions in the future. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62 (1), 37–44.]