Efficacy of a Group Treatment, Self-Stigma Overcome Programs for Inpatients with Schizophrenia

Lee, Woo Kyeong; Hwang, Tae Yeon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Compared with the general population, individuals with schizophrenia are known to have lower self-esteem, in part because of internalized self-stigma. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a Self-stigma Overcome Program (SOP), named self-esteem enhancement program for inpatients with schizophrenia.
METHODS
The 46 patients with schizophrenia from Yongin Mental Hospital Rehabilitation Ward were randomly assigned to a SOP group or to a control group. The SOP groups received 15 sessions of SOP treatment over four months. SOP combined existing structured modules for the purpose of increasing self-esteem and empowerment with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) techniques. The program module was divided into three building blocks: sense of security, sense of purpose, and sense of competence. All the subjects were assessed before and after the treatment period on measures of psychosocial functioning, diagnostic variables, and symptomatology.
RESULTS
Compared with patients in the control condition, SOP group patients showed significant improvements on measures of empowerment and internalized stigma. The SOP groups subjectively also reported more improved self-respect, self-understanding, and positive self-regard. However, there were no significant improvements on measures of self-esteem and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that individuals with schizophrenia appear to be benefit from a self-esteem enhancement module, particularly when they are involved in a rehabilitation program. These findings encourage a reconsideration of patients' empowerment and competence in order to ensure lasting effects on overall functional outcome of chronic schizophrenics.