Peer support for internalised stigma experienced by people with psychosis: rationale and recommendations. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pyle, Melissa; Pilling, Stephen; Machin, Karen; Allende-Cullen, Ginny; Morrison, Anthony P.
• Is Part Of: Psychosis. Volume 10:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Psychosis -- stigma -- internalised stigma -- peer support -- social support; Psychoses -- Periodicals; Psychotic Disorders -- therapy; Psychotic Disorders -- etiology; Psychoses; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2018.1437212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2447

Abstract

ABSTRACT: People with experience of psychosis face stigma and discrimination, which can be a significant barrier to recovery. Internalisation of public stereotypes and prejudice into an individual's self-identity is an understandable consequence of such discrimination. However, internalised stigma represents a significant barrier to recovery, resulting in a number of harmful consequences such as depression, demoralisation and loss of self-esteem. Interventions to support people with experience of psychosis who internalise stigma have demonstrated some promising results, but a recent meta-analysis did not find an overall significant effect. The current evidence base includes very few trials of peer support for internalised stigma; however, data from several trials and a recent meta-analysis show that peer support produces benefits on a number of dimensions related to internalised stigma, including empowerment, recovery and hope. In this paper, we argue that peer support is a suitable intervention for addressing internalised stigma and warrants further research. We provide a theoretical and evidence-based rationale for this argument and outlines some of the key challenges and possible solutions for future trials of peer support as an intervention for internalised stigma.