The relationship between perceived acceptance, stigma and severity in a population with epilepsy

The relationship between negative self-perception and epilepsy has been addressed in a number of studies but little is known about any association between perceived acceptance by others and various factors relating to epilepsy. The aim of this study was to investigate if perceived acceptance correlates with perceived stigma, perceived severity and a variety of factors associated with epilepsy. 52 individuals with a diagnosis of epilepsy attending an outpatient clinic participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires measuring aspects of epilepsy as well as perception of stigma, severity and acceptance by others. Results showed that type of epilepsy was significantly correlated with perception of stigma. Significant negative correlations were found between perceived stigma and perceived acceptance and between duration of epilepsy and perceived acceptance. It was concluded that perception of acceptance is related to the way in which the individual learned to cope with the diagnosis of epilepsy.