Navigating stigma and building resilience: The role of perceived social support in individuals with mentally ill parents.

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of perceived stigma and social support on psychological resilience among individuals with parents diagnosed with mental illness. This population faces unique challenges, including societal stigma and inadequate social support, which can undermine their well-being. The research aims to address these gaps by examining their lived experiences and contributing to the limited literature in this area.

Method: Data were collected from 106 participants in Ankara using three validated scales measuring stigma, social support and psychological resilience.

Results: Participants reported moderate levels of perceived stigma, predominantly linked to social withdrawal. While overall social support did not fully account for psychological resilience, support from intimate relationships (e.g. spouses or partners) significantly enhanced resilience. Gender and family structure also influenced stigma perception: men experienced higher levels of stigma and concealment, while women reported greater social withdrawal and feelings of inadequacy.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions to bolster social support networks and enhance psychological resilience in this population. Future research should examine cross-cultural variations and incorporate qualitative methods to deepen understanding of stigma and resilience processes.