Association of insight with stigma and its moderating factors among patients with stable schizophrenia

Stigma is prevalent among patients with schizophrenia, and its impact can be profound. Improving insight is a critical aspect of treating schizophrenia, but it is often accompanied by increased stigma. This study aims to explore how trait mindfulness and perceived social support moderate the relationship between insight and stigma in patients with stable schizophrenia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai's Changning and Huangpu Districts from August to December 2023, recruiting patients through convenience sampling from local mental health centers. A total of 350 patients were included in the study, with their demographic information, insight, trait mindfulness, perceived social support, and stigma being measured. The study found that patients with higher BMI, unemployment or retirement status, and lower income levels experienced significantly higher stigma. The correlation analysis revealed that insight was positively correlated with stigma, while trait mindfulness and perceived social support were negatively correlated with stigma. Regression analysis showed that insight increased stigma, whereas trait mindfulness and perceived social support reduced it. Moderation analysis indicated that higher levels of both trait mindfulness and perceived social support significantly reduced the negative impact of increased insight on stigma in patients with schizophrenia. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing patients' trait mindfulness and perceived social support while improving insight in the treatment of schizophrenia.