Perceived impacts of internalized stigma in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

Internalized stigma, a stigmatized view of oneself, is a prevalent issue in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Past evidence has suggested that internalized stigma may contribute to lower levels of functional recovery and lower engagement with mental health treatment in this population. The present study first involved a quantitative portion to check whether the current sample aligned with the literature regarding internalized stigma's links with functional recovery and treatment engagement. Then, a qualitative analysis examined participants' perceptions of whether and how their experiences with internalized stigma are related to their functional recovery and treatment engagement.

Adult participants in the United States (N = 29) with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed self-report quantitative measures of internalized stigma, treatment engagement, and functional recovery, and then, they answered open-ended written questions on their perspectives. Data were collected in the Years 2022-2023.

Quantitative results indicate that internalized stigma was associated with lower functional recovery and lower treatment engagement, aligning with prior findings in the literature. Qualitative analysis of written responses revealed that many but not all participants perceive internalized stigma as impacting their functioning and treatment engagement. Themes are described in detail and involve relationship issues, difficulty leaving the house, self-doubt, and decreased engagement with treatment providers.

Internalized stigma is a prevalent issue with varying impacts on individuals with SSDs. This study highlights the importance of addressing internalized stigma and its consequences as a part of mental health treatment for individuals with SSDs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).