RETRACTED: Evaluation of the impact of a self-stigma reduction programme on psychosocial outcomes among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (Retracted Article)

Background Self stigma is assumed to be more prominent in Jordanian society than in Western countries, reflecting a poor understanding of mental illness, collectivistic culture, and delay in accessing psychiatric care Aim The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-stigma reduction programme on self-stigma. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2017 to December 2018 with 278 people diagnosed with schizophrenia (PDwS). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a self-stigma reduction programme (psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy and social skills training), or treatment as usual (TAU). Results PDwS in the intervention group experienced a greater reduction in the level of self-stigma (20.19 vs -0.62; p < 0.001) at post-intervention and (37.35 vs -0.66; p < 0.001) at six-month follow-up. Conclusions The findings suggest that the self-stigma reduction programme has the potential to reduce self-stigma levels.