Value Orientation as a Moderator on Self-stigma in People with Mental Illness

Abstract

This study explores whether the self-stigma in people with mental illness is moderated by value orientation -- collectivism and individualism. A model of value orientation and self-stigmatization was depicted and tested with data collected in Taiwan, where 182 subjects voluntarily participated in the survey. The model demonstrated the ideas that collectivism thoughts alleviate self-stigma, while individualism beliefs strengthen the stigmatization process. All the hypotheses, including a measurement structure, a causal path with covariate variable and two separate moderator effects, were significantly supported. Implications of the findings for academicians and practitioners in psychiatric rehabilitation were discussed.