The State of Knowledge about Internalized Stigma on the Basis of the Socio-Cognitive-Behavioral Model

Abstract

Introduction: The main objective of this paper is to offer an overview of the state of current knowledge about internalized stigma in people with severe mental illness. Variables related to internalized stigma: This section highlights the primary socio-demographic, psychosocial and psychiatric variables related to internalized stigma. Integrating models of internalized stigma: This section summarizes the most important integrating models proposed to explain the interplay of relationships in the field of internalized stigma. Proposal of an empirical social-cognitive-behavioral model of internalized stigma: This section presents the results of a study conducted with a sample of 108 people with mental illness to propose a structural-equation model that encompasses social content (experiences of discrimination), as well as cognitive (stigma, internalized stigma and expectations of recovery) and behavioral (social functioning and personal autonomy) variables to explain the relationships between these variables in peoplewith severe mental illness. Implications for intervention: Overview of the effectiveness of psychological interventions in cases of internalized stigma and some guidance for future interventions and research