Effectiveness of a brief digitalized psychoeducational intervention in reducing mental health stigma associated with psychosis: a single-arm Singaporean pilot trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Public stigma towards psychosis constitutes a major obstacle hindering the provision of evidence-based psychotherapy. Such attitudes appear particularly concerning in South-East Asia, where people with complex mental health needs avoid seeking professional help due to high levels of stigmatization and discrimination. This study investigated the effects of a brief digitalized psychoeducational intervention on reduction of stigma associated with psychosis among young adults in Singapore. 157 participants were recruited and completed a single-arm efficacy trial. Pre- and post-intervention levels of stigma were assessed with standardized measures. Significant reduction across cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioural dimensions of stigma was achieved post-intervention. Comparing with prior studies reporting elaborate and resource-intensive public mental health education initiatives, our results suggest that similar, if not greater, outcomes might be achieved via single-session electronically delivered interventions, particularly among younger sections of Asian societies.