The self-stigmatization of patients with schizophrenia: A phenomenological study.

This study aimed to explore the self-stigma of schizophrenia patients. Qualitative phenomenological approach, purposive sampling and unstructured one-on-one interviews were used. Narratives were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Data saturation was reached after 15 had been interviewed. Three themes and six sub-themes were revealed: the origin of the self-stigma (experience of self-stigma from the outside and the inside), the suffering experience of self-stigma (alienation from others and negative inner feelings), and coping with the self-stigma (acceptance and change of mind). The study supports the importance to increase awareness of self-stigma and suggests effective measures to help patients deal with this challenge.