The impact of illness identity on recovery from severe mental illness: A test of the model. Issue 10 (8th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yanos, Philip T.; Adams, Shane; Roe, David; Lysaker, Paul H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 77:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 2341
• Page End: 2352
• Publication Date: 2021-05-08
• Subjects: illness identity -- insight paradox -- recovery -- self‐stigma -- schizophrenia; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The Illness Identity model posits that self‐stigma reduces hope and self‐esteem among persons with severe mental illnesses, impacting a range of outcomes. The "insight paradox" anticipates that the negative effects of self‐stigma are amplified by insight. This study tested these predictions using both cluster and path analyses. Method: A total of 117 participants meeting the criteria for schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders completed measures of self‐stigma, self‐esteem, hopelessness, insight, social functioning, coping, and symptoms. Results: Cluster analysis supported the insight paradox; persons with low self‐stigma/high insight had fewer psychiatric symptoms and better interpersonal functioning than persons with high self‐stigma/low insight. Path analysis did not support the insight paradox, but indicated that self‐stigma and insight impact different outcomes. Discussion: Findings suggest that support for the predictions of the Illness Identity model and insight paradox are supported may depend on analytic method. Conclusions: Finding suggest that the benefits of self‐stigma reduction may be constrained by insight.