Self-Stigma's Effect on Psychosocial Functioning Among People With Mental Illness

Consequences of self-stigma exhibit a four-step regressive model from being aware of public stigma, to agreeing with it, to applying it to oneself, to resulting harm on the self. We hypothesize the relationship between self-stigma and psychosocial functioning is mediated by three constructs: the why try effect, stigma stress coping resources, and personal recovery. Two hundred eight people with depressive and bipolar disorders participated the study. Data partially supported the regressive model of self-stigma. Awareness was not found to be associated with other regressive stages. The model representing the path between self-stigma-harm and psychosocial functioning was significant and robust. The path was mediated by the why try effect and personal recovery. Findings echo the growing body of research attempting to describe outcomes of self-stigma, in this case, psychosocial functioning. Programs meant to erase self-stigma, and its effect on functioning should incorporate the why try effect and personal recovery as strategic ingredients.