The influence of experiences of stigma on recovery: Mediating roles of internalized stigma, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.

Experiencing stigmatization regarding mental illness has harmful effects on recovery from serious mental illness (SMI). Stigma experiences can also lead to internalized stigma, the cognitive and emotional internalization of negative stereotypes, and application of those stereotypes to one's self. Internalized stigma may lead to additional harms, including decrements in self-esteem and self-efficacy. Therefore, this study examined the effects of stigmatization experiences on recovery-related outcomes through internalized stigma, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in a single comprehensive model. Methods: Adults with SMI (n = 516) completed standardized measures assessing the variables of interest during baseline assessments for 2 randomized controlled trials. In a secondary analysis of the trial data, separate serial mediation models were tested for recovery orientation, perceived quality of life, and social withdrawal as outcomes, with experiences of stigma as the predictor variable and internalized stigma. self-esteem, and self-efficacy as serial mediators in that order. Alternate order and parallel mediation models were also tested to evaluate directionality. Results: The serial mediation model was the best fit, although self-efficacy was not found to be a critical mediator. Experiences of stigma led to internalized stigma, which influenced self-esteem and recovery-related outcomes, consistent with the social-cognitive model of internalized stigma. Conclusion: This indicates that internalized stigma is an essential target for reducing the negative impact of stigmatization on recovery.