Differences in Resilience, Self-Stigma and Mental Health Recovery between Patients with Schizophrenia and Depression

There is growing evidence that resilience is a key factor for prevention of mental disorder. Low resilience levels were found in individuals at clinical high risk to psychosis and schizophrenia. Higher level of resilience was associated with better functioning, less severe negative, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Low level of self stigma is associated with recovery from schizophrenia. Aim of this paper was to determine whether resilience and self-stigma are significant predictors of mental health recovery in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression treated in a rehabilitation-oriented program.

51 patients diagnosed with psychoses and 53 patients with depression treated in day hospital participated in this study. Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), The Boston University Empowerment Scale (BUES), Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination (PDD) Scale, Mental Health Recovery Measure (MHRM) and Resilience questionnaire were used.

Self-stigma positively correlates with PDD (r=0.44; p=0.000), and negatively with BUES (r=-0.78; p=0.000), resilience (r=-0.51; p=0.000) and with recovery (r=-0.59; p=0.000) in two groups. In addition, a higher PDD score indicates poorer levels of empowerment (r=-0.42; p=0.000), resilience (r=-0.35; p=0.000) and recovery (r=-0.44; p=0.000). Mental health empowerment, resilience and recovery all correlate significantly and positively with each other. Cross-group comparison results show the best results for patients with schizophrenia. Sociodemographic factors do not affect resilience, self-stigma nor recovery.

Self-stigma and resilience are connected with moderate correlation. Research supports the need for interventions that prevent self-stigma and increase resilience in the treatment of schizophrenia patients.