Stigma: a Unique Source of Distress for Family Members of Individuals with Mental Illness.
To distinguish the impact of mental illness stigma from that of other negative caregiving experiences, this study examined the unique relationships between stigma and caregiver/family functioning. Adult relatives (n = 437) of individuals with mental illness completed questionnaires regarding caregiving experiences, distress, empowerment, and family functioning, as part of a larger study. Regression analyses examined the relationship between stigma and caregiver/family variables, while controlling for other negative caregiving experiences. Stigma was uniquely associated with caregiver distress, empowerment, and family functioning. Mental illness stigma is a potent source of distress for families and an important target of family services.
['Muralidharan|Anjana|A|', 'Lucksted|Alicia|A|', 'Medoff|Deborah|D|', 'Fang|Li Juan|LJ|', 'Dixon|Lisa|L|']
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological D000328:Adult D017028:Caregivers D017281:Cost of Illness D005190:Family D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D001523:Mental Disorders D008875:Middle Aged D057545:Social Stigma D013315:Stress, Psychological
Stigma Family Mental illness Caregiver burden