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Published on: May 31, 2021
Self-stigma, self-esteem and age in persons with schizophrenia
Perla Werner1, Alex Aviv, Yoram Barak
1Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel. werner@research.haifa.ac.il
International Psychogeriatrics
|April 25, 2007
Summary
Older adults with schizophrenia experience less self-stigma than younger individuals. Both groups show a strong link between self-stigma and self-esteem, highlighting the need for tailored clinical care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Self-stigma and self-esteem are critical in schizophrenia care.
- Previous research has largely excluded older adults (65+).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-stigma and self-esteem in younger and older schizophrenia patients.
- To compare self-stigma levels across age groups.
Main Methods:
- 86 inpatients with schizophrenia (mean age 54) participated.
- Face-to-face interviews assessed self-esteem (Rosenberg Scale) and self-stigma (adapted ISMI scale).
- Socio-demographic, clinical history, and symptomatology data were collected.
Main Results:
- Self-stigma was generally moderate; 20-33% reported high levels.
- Older participants exhibited lower self-stigma compared to younger ones.
- A significant association was observed between self-stigma and self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- Age influences self-stigma levels in schizophrenia patients.
- A complex interplay exists between self-stigma, self-esteem, and age.
- Clinicians must address self-stigma in both young and elderly schizophrenia patients.
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