The relationship between self-stigma, loneliness, and religious coping in primary caregivers of individuals with mental disorders

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between self-stigma, loneliness, and religious coping among primary caregivers of individuals with mental disorders. The population of the research consisted of primary caregivers of individuals with mental disorders who applied to the psychiatry service and outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Istanbul between January 1 and July 30, 2025. The sample included 302 primary caregivers who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Information Form, the Self-Stigma Scale-Family Form, the UCLA Loneliness Scale-Short Form, and the Religious Coping Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used in data analysis. The mean scores of participants for self-stigma, loneliness, positive religious coping, and negative religious coping were found to be 32.87±8.85, 10.09±2.44, 20.95±3.93, and 4.26±1.73, respectively. A positive significant correlation was found between self-stigma, loneliness, and negative religious coping, while a negative significant correlation was found between self-stigma and positive religious coping. In addition, some sociodemographic variables were found to be factors affecting self-stigma. The results of the study reveal that, in addition to sociodemographic factors, loneliness, positive religious coping, and negative religious coping play an important role in self-stigma among primary caregivers of individuals with mental disorders. Keywords: Self-Stigma, Loneliness, Religious Coping, Caregiver, Mental Disorder.