Change in internalized stigma and social functioning among persons diagnosed with severe mental illness

This study examined the relationship between change in internalized stigma and social functioning over time. Thirty-five individuals with severe mental illness completed measures of self-stigma, social functioning and symptoms at baseline, 4 months, and 7 months. Change in self-stigma was significantly negatively related to change in social functioning, controlling for negative symptoms. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.