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6 - Consequences of the Self-Stigma of Mental Illness

from Part II - Impact of Stigma on Mental Health

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2022

By
Jennifer E. Boyd ,
Manuel Muñoz López ,
Clara González-Sanguino ,
J. Irene Harris  and
Isaiah T. Sampson
Edited by
David L. Vogel  and
Nathaniel G. Wade
David L. Vogel
Affiliation:
Iowa State University
Nathaniel G. Wade
Affiliation:
Iowa State University
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Summary

The literature on the internalized stigma (or self-stigma) of mental illness has been expanding rapidly. We review the key findings of two meta-analyses of the correlates and consequences that occurred a decade apart (Livingston & Boyd, 2010, Del Rosal et al., 2020), showing that internalized stigma is related to less self-esteem, quality of life, and hope; and related to greater experienced stigma, perceived stigma, and symptom severity. For empowerment, the relationship of internalized stigma was somewhat weaker in 2020 than in 2010. Neither found significant relationships with sociodemographic variables. Although more longitudinal studies are needed to better test the causal direction of these relationships, the overall findings are consistent with the idea that internalized stigma impedes recovery and adds to the burden of mental illness. While, more work needs to be done to understand the effects of internalized stigma on people with a variety of intersectional identities. we briefly describe the literature on a few contrasting types of marginalized identities: gender (female and transgender), race/ethnicity (African Americans), and profession (mental health professionals with a lived experience of mental illness). These summaries highlight that the consequences of internalized stigma may vary across intersectional identities. We conclude with suggestions for future research.

Keywords

internalized stigmaoutcomesmeta-analysisreplicationmarginalized identities
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Stigma and Mental Health , pp. 88 - 110
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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