La relación entre el estigma y los síntomas positivos y de malestar emocional en la esquizofrenia

Research suggests that stigma serves as a barrier to self-esteem and the attainment of adequate psychosocial functioning among persons with schizophrenia. Less clear is how stigma experiences are associated with symptoms both concurrently and prospectively. To study this issue Positive and Emotional discomfort symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and stigma experience was assessed using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale among 75 persons with schizophrenia at two points five months apart. Greater levels of stigma were associated with greater levels of positive and emotional discomfort symptoms both concurrently and prospectively. Symptoms were also linked prospectively with level of stigma. Replication results of previous findings indicate that a close relationship exists between stigma experience and symptoms. Both may exacerbate one another in the manner of a vicious cycle. Copyrigth