Effects of group reminiscence therapy on stigma perception among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective To explore the influence of group reminiscence therapy on stigma perception among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Methods From March of 2015 to March of 2018, the caregivers of 180 patients with schizophrenia admitted in Shaoxing 7th People's Hospital were selected and divided into the observation group (n=90) and control group (n=90) based on random number table. The control group received routine health education. Apart from that, the observation group received the group reminiscence therapy once a week, 60 to 90 min each time for 8 weeks. Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) was used to assess the level of stigma perception before and 8 weeks after intervention. Results Before intervention, the caregivers of the two groups had no statistical difference in the total score and the score of each dimensions of the stigma perception (P>0.05) . After intervention, there were statistical differences between the two groups in the total score of stigma perception as well as the scores from the five dimensions of distance factor , stereotype factor , discrimination factor , resistance factor and withdrawal factor (P<0.01) . Conclusions The group reminiscence therapy could effectively reduce the level of stigma perception among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, and improve their physical and mental health. Key words: Schizophrenia; Caregiver; Stigma perception; Group reminiscence therapy; Health education