Association between Internalized Stigma and Self Esteem among Chronic Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

Background: People with mental illnesses face societal stigma, which limits their social chances and meaningful interactions, lowering their self-esteem, life satisfaction and impeding recovery. Aim: The study focuses on exploring the prevalence and association between internalized stigma and self esteem among patients with psychiatric disorders. Methods: This hospital-based study consisted of 360 patients diagnosed with any psychiatric disorders using a purposive sampling selected from the outpatient department (OPD) of the CIIMHANS, Dewada, Chhattisgarh, India. Patients were assessed through the socio-demographic datasheet, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) and the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results: The result of this study indicates that internalized stigma was seen to be at a severe level in just under half (42.8%) and more than half low self-esteem (54.2%) among patients with psychiatric disorders. In regression analysis, overall internalized stigma strongly contributes 75.5% to the variance on self-esteem and duration of illness. Conclusion: People who have a psychiatric illness often feel stigmatized. These people are discriminated against, have restricted work opportunities, feel stigmatized at work around the world, which lowers their self-esteem and quality of life