Relationship between perceived social support and self stigma in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

The study was conducted to determine the relationship between self-stigmatization and perceived social support in caregivers of schizophrenia with patient.

A cross-sectional study design was used. The study sample consisted of 84 participants who cared for schizophrenic patients registered in a community mental health center. In the data collection, the 'Self-stigmatizing Scale for Families' and 'Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale' were used. The data were analyzed via frequency, mean, standard deviation, Cronbach's alpha analysis, linear regression, Pearson correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA test.

Self-stigmatization (32.48 ± 15.15) and perceived social support (44.36 ± 22.88) were found to be moderate in caregivers. Self-stigmatization was found to be higher in caregivers who do not work; have a spouse, mother, or father; have a disease; do not receive support from their family and have not received any education about schizophrenia (p < .05). It was determined that, with increasing age, perceived social support decreases, and the perception of social support increases in caregivers who are high school graduates, working, having children, have no illness, and are educated about schizophrenia (p < .05). It was determined that, as the level of perceived social support increases in caregivers, self-stigmatization decreases (p < .05).

It was determined that, as the perceived social support increases in caregivers, self-stigmatization decreases. We recommend providing informative support about schizophrenia, to increase hope and social-skill training, and to implement interventions that include caregivers in the fight against stigma.