Longitudinal impact of stigma resistance on mental health among individuals with mental disorders.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated a conceptual model regarding the longitudinal impact of stigma resistance on the mental health of individuals with mental disorders. Specifically, it examined whether stigma resistance is longitudinally associated with reduced psychological distress, improved personal recovery, and enhanced life satisfaction, and tested whether these associations are mediated by increased identity affirmation and heightened valued living.

METHODS

A total of 235 individuals with mental disorders completed questionnaire measures of stigma resistance, identity affirmation, valued living, psychological distress, personal recovery, and life satisfaction at baseline (Month 0; M0) and 12 months later (Month 12; M12). The relations among these variables were examined using path analyses and bootstrap analyses.

RESULTS

Path analyses revealed that stigma resistance at M0 was associated with increased identity affirmation and heightened valued living at M12, which, in turn, were associated with reduced psychological distress, improved personal recovery, and enhanced life satisfaction at M12. Bootstrap analyses further demonstrated that stigma resistance at M0 had indirect effects on psychological distress, personal recovery, and life satisfaction at M12 through identity affirmation and valued living at M12.

CONCLUSIONS

Theoretically, our findings elucidate how stigma resistance can help individuals with mental disorders improve their mental health by fostering a positive identity and aligning their lives with personal values. Practically, these findings underscore the importance of developing interventions aimed at promoting stigma resistance in these individuals, enabling them to lead more fulfilling and flourishing lives.