Reducing self-stigma among survivors of childhood maltreatment: Randomized controlled trial of a brief video intervention.

Abstract

Objective: Survivors of childhood maltreatment (CM) often experience self-stigma, the internalization of negative attitudes such as shame, self-blame, and a reluctance to disclose their experiences. These self-perceptions pose a significant barrier to treatment-seeking and may exacerbate psychiatric distress. Prior research indicates that social contact-based interventions are effective in reducing stigma, but no study to date has examined their impact on self-stigma and increasing openness to treatment-seeking among CM survivors. This study assessed the efficacy of a brief video intervention on reducing self-stigma among CM survivors using a randomized controlled trial.

Method: We randomly assigned 655 individuals (M_age = 36.7, SD = 11.2) with a history of CM to either an intervention or control video. Participants in the intervention group viewed a 2-min video of an actor describing lifetime hardships resulting from CM and how she benefited from psychotherapy. Control group participants observed a same-length video in which the actress described her daily activities, without any mention of CM. Self-stigma was assessed before, after, and 30 days following the intervention.

Results: Mean self-stigma scores significantly decreased from pre- to postintervention in the intervention group, as compared to the control group. Increases in openness to treatment-seeking did not reach significance. We did not find significant differences between the groups at baseline and 30-day follow-up assessments.

Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of a brief, cost-effective, and easily disseminated video-based intervention to reduce self-stigma among CM survivors. This approach could help empower individuals with a history of CM, potentially encouraging treatment-seeking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).