Abstract
Objective
Self-stigma is highly prevalent in schizophrenia and can be seen as an important factor leading to low self-esteem. It is however unclear how psychological factors and actual adverse events contribute to self-stigma. This study empirically examines how symptom severity and the experience of being victimized affect both self-stigma and self-esteem.
Methods
Persons with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (N = 102) were assessed with a battery of self-rating questionnaires and interviews. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was subsequently applied to test the fit of three models: a model with symptoms and victimization as direct predictors of self-stigma and negative self-esteem, a model with an indirect effect for symptoms mediated by victimization and a third model with a direct effect for negative symptoms and an indirect effect for positive symptoms mediated by victimization.
Results
Results showed good model fit for the direct effects of both symptoms and victimization: both lead to an increase of self-stigma and subsequent negative self-esteem. Negative symptoms had a direct association with self-stigma, while the relationship between positive symptoms and self-stigma was mediated by victimization.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that symptoms and victimization may contribute to self-stigma, leading to negative self- esteem in individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Especially for patients with positive symptoms victimization seems to be an important factor in developing self- stigma. Given the burden of self- stigma on patients and the constraining effects on societal participation and service use, interventions targeting victimization as well as self- stigma are needed.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | e0149763 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | PLoS ONE |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26-Oct-2016 |
Keywords
- SEVERE MENTAL-ILLNESS
- POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER
- INTERNALIZED STIGMA
- CRIMINAL VICTIMIZATION
- VIOLENT VICTIMIZATION
- NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS
- TRAUMA
- SCALE
- INDIVIDUALS
- RELIABILITY