Internalized stigmatization and subjective recovery in individuals with chronic mental illness.

KaÅŸli, Seher; Al, Orhan; Bademli, Kerime

BACKGROUND Individuals with mental illness, as they are stigmatized by society, are also stigmatized themselves, and this process is internalized. This may adversely affect the recovery process. AIMS This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between internalized stigmatization and subjective recovery in patients with schizophrenic. METHOD This research was performed for patients with schizophrenia at rehabilitation centers registered with the community mental health center. The survey was performed out with 94 patients in the recovery phase who met the inclusion criteria and who going to the center. Sociodemographic information form, internalized stigmatization scale and subjective recovery assessment scale were used in the collection of data. RESULTS In the study it was found that there is a relationship between internalized stigmatization and subjective recovery. Increased levels of internalized stigma patient outcome would decrease the level of recovery. CONCLUSION It is recommended that nurses perform intervention programs to reduce internalized stigmatization in patients with schizophrenia.