Relationship between internalized stigmatization and occupational performance in people with schizophrenia

This study was planned to investigate relationship between internalized stigmatization and occupational performance in individuals with schizophrenia. 110 individuals with schizophrenia were participated. Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS) was used to assess the level of internalized stigmatization, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to assess occupational performance and satisfaction levels. When the relationship between the level of internalized stigmatization and occupational performance and satisfaction levels was examined, an extremely high and negative significant relationship was found (p=0.001). Additionally, when the relationship between sub-dimensions of the internalized stigmatization scale and occupational performance and satisfaction was observed, it was found that there was a high and negative significant relationship between the mean scores of the Alienation, Stereotype Endorsement, and Social Withdrawal sub-dimensions and occupational performance and satisfaction (p=0.001). It was found that there was a intermediate and negative relationship between the average score of Discrimination Experience sub-dimensions and occupational performance, and a high and negative significant relationship between the satisfaction level (p=0.001). A weak and negative significant correlation was found between the average score of the Stigma Resistance and occupational performance (p=0.003) and satisfaction (p=0.001). Based on the results of the study, with the increase on the level of internalized stigmatization in individuals with schizophrenia, occupational performance and satisfaction levels decrease. The level of internalized stigmatization of individuals with schizophrenia should be taken into consideration in intervention programs to increase occupational performance and satisfaction levels.