Internalized Stigma, Social Connectedness, and Coping Strategies in Caregivers of Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate internalized stigma, social connectedness, and coping strategies in caregivers of adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). The study hypothesized that there is likely a significant correlation between internalized self stigma and coping strategies, and social connectedness likely moderates the relationship between them. A sample of 250 caregivers of adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder both men and women, age ranged 20 to 60 years from both public and private sector hospitals of Lahore were selected through purposive sampling. The measures used to collect the data were Self-Stigma in Relatives of people with Mental Illness scale (Morris et al., 2017), the Social Connectedness Scale (Lee & Robins, 1995), and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE: Carver, 1997). Data was analyzed using SPSS .25, reliability analyses revealed all scales having good reliability. The correlation results showed a significant relationship between internalized self-stigma, social connectedness, and coping strategies (avoidant and approach). Moderation analyses were done, which revealed the moderating role of social connectedness between Internalized self-stigma and coping strategies (avoidant and approach). This study underscores the development and application of approaches to address the caregiver’s needs. Moreover, it will be helpful to rule out available ways to help and support caregivers and to minimize the unfavorable effects of caregiving.