Value Orientation as a Moderator on Self-stigma in People with Mental Illness

Sofia Hsiou-Huei Lai

doi:10.13189/ujp.2016.040303

Abstract

This study explores whether the self-stigma in people with mental illness is moderated by value orientation -- collectivism and individualism. A model of value orientation and self-stigmatization was depicted and tested with data collected in Taiwan, where 182 subjects voluntarily participated in the survey. The model demonstrated the ideas that collectivism thoughts alleviate self-stigma, while individualism beliefs strengthen the stigmatization process. All the hypotheses, including a measurement structure, a causal path with covariate variable and two separate moderator effects, were significantly supported. Implications of the findings for academicians and practitioners in psychiatric rehabilitation were discussed.

Highlights

Self-stigma in people with mental illness refers to signs or experiences of disgrace through which the victims internalize and self-inflict the social stigma against themselves [1]
Unwillingness to seek mental health services, failure to adhere to treatment regimens [2], reluctance to pursue employment and independent living opportunities [3], impaired self-efficacy, and diminished self-esteem[4] are among the detrimental consequences of the self-stigmatization
This paper explores whether self-stigma in people with mental illness is moderated by value orientation

Summary

Introduction

Self-stigma in people with mental illness refers to signs or experiences of disgrace through which the victims internalize and self-inflict the social stigma against themselves [1]. Among the particular value orientation, for example, individualism and personal independence are two essential pillars of the Western culture. Many counseling theories, goals, strategies and processes are based on the individualistic assumptions [6]. The individualistic assumptions usually leads to inadequate services for clients who have a collectivistic cultural background, in particular for clients who have Confucian or Chinese heritages [7]. Many counseling practices and interventions derived from the individualistic assumptions may be inappropriate (or even worse, antagonistic) to the lifestyles and cultural values of the Oriental society [8]. Even worst, counseling strategies and interventions may lead the clients to violate their important values and may dictate in their lifestyle and cultural background

Methods

Results

Conclusion