Emotion Regulation and Self-Stigma Among People With Schizophrenia: The Mediating Role of Depression

Self-stigma is a common phenomenon among people with schizophrenia and is related to negative outcomes such as psychological distress as well as poor emotion regulation (ER). However, few studies have examined possible moderators or mediators in the association between ER and self-stigma. In the present study, we examined two competing models regarding the role of depression as a moderator or mediator in the relationship between ER as an independent variable and self-stigma as a dependent variable among individuals with schizophrenia. Fifty-four adults diagnosed with schizophrenia took part in the study. Participants filled out questionnaires about self-stigma, depression, and ER, and data was analyzed cross-sectional. Results showed positive associations between self-stigma, deficits in ER, and depression. An examination of moderation and mediation models of depression did not show support for the moderation role of depression but rather for its mediating role between ER and self-stigma. Namely, difficulties in ER were associated with greater depression, which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of self-stigma. Our study expands the understanding regarding the association between impaired ER as it might relate to the formation of self-stigma and highlights the importance of depression as a mediator between them. It also stresses the need to improve ER abilities as a possible means to reduce negative effects such as depression and self-stigma among people with schizophrenia.