Cultural model of self-stigma among Chinese with substance use problems. (1st October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mak, Winnie W.S.; Ho, Connie Y.Y.; Wong, Venus U.T.; Law, Rita W.; Chan, Randolph C.H.
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 155(2015)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2015-10-01
• Subjects: Chinese -- Substance use -- Self-stigma -- Face concern -- Moral emotions -- Mental health; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.08.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: Provides empirical support to a cultural model of substance use self-stigma. Highlights the importance of culturally salient factors in understanding self-stigma. Demonstrates the potential usefulness of face concern in predicting self-stigma and mental health. Elucidates the potential mechanism by which face concern affects self-stigma and mental health. Sheds light on the role of moral emotions and rumination in the internalization process of stigma. Abstract: Background: Substance use is regarded as one of the most stigmatizing conditions worldwide. To achieve recovery, individuals with substance use problems must learn to cope with stigma. Despite the potential importance of cultural factors in the internalization process of stigma, few studies have incorporated culturally salient factors in understanding self-stigma. We responded to this gap in the literature by investigating a mechanism of self-stigma that focused on a cultural value salient to the Chinese—face concern. Specifically, we hypothesized that two types of face concern ( mianzi concern and lian concern) would affect self-stigma and mental health through self-conscious moral emotions and rumination. Methods: A total of 199 Hong Kong Chinese adults with substance use problems completed standardized questionnaires. Results: Test of the proposed model using structural equation modeling showed excellent fit to the data. The findings support the role of face concern in affecting self-stigma and mental health among Chinese with substance use problems. In particular, the findings showed significant indirect effects of lian concern on rumination, self-stigma, and mental health via moral emotions. Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary empirical support for the importance of cultural factors in the internalization process of stigma and the maintenance of mental health among individuals with substance use problems.