Investigation of the Relationship Between Internalized Stigma and Happiness Levels of Individuals Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

AIM: This study aimed to examine the relationship between internalized stigma and happiness levels of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2021 with 100 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia conducted in a Community Mental Health Centre in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Data were collected using Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. RESULTS: A negative statistically significant relationship was determined between the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the stigma resistance subdimension of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. The internalized stigma levels of the participating patients accounted for 35.1% of their happiness levels. The stigma resistance subdimension of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale affected the patients' happiness levels. CONCLUSION: There was a negative significant relationship between the individuals' internalized stigma and happiness levels. More comprehensive interventions are needed to combat the stigma of mental disorders in Turkiye so that individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia can lead a happy life in society.