Mental Health World Conference 2026

Abstract

Objective  To provide an overview of research on stigma among people with schizophrenia and identify strategies for reducing stigma and related challenges.
Methods The Ichushi Web database was searched using the keywords ‘schizophrenia’, ‘stigma’, ‘self stigma’, and ‘anti stigma’ for literature published between 2015 and 2026. We narrowed the search to cross sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies, and analysed the 22 identified.
Results Regarding study design, 18, two, and two cross sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies were identified, respectively. A sense of self efficacy, reduction of self stigma, and motivation for social participation enhanced recovery. Continued participation in day care programs and peer research, as well as the rebuilding of interpersonal relationships, reduced self stigma and fostered the emergence of autonomy. People with schizophrenia had experienced trauma, and stigma caused them to lose a sense of belonging, thereby acting as a barrier to their first visit to a healthcare provider. Stigma reduction programs for people with schizophrenia and their families, as well as occupational therapy interventions focused on stigma, achieved some effectiveness in behavioral change and improving stigma awareness. Furthermore, psychiatric nurses were more committed to supporting the social reintegration of long term inpatients when their own stigma levels were lower reducing their stigma required a workplace culture that ensured psychological safety. Psychiatrists exhibited lower levels of stigma than medical students or non professionals. A correlation was observed regarding the stigma of schizophrenia between college students and their parents many female college students tended to view people with schizophrenia as dangerous and preferred to avoid them if possible.

BPeople with schizophrenia often experience stigma, which affects their social participation and access to medical care. While effective interventions for reducing stigma and promoting recovery are available, these have primarily demonstrated short-term effects. Accordingly, anti stigma strategies need to be developed through collaborative participation with people with schizophrenia and their families.