Internalized Stigma Among Individuals With Bipolar Disorder: Associations With Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics From a Specialized Affective Disorders Unit

Selin Tanyeri Kayahan and Simavi Vahip

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2026, vol. 72, issue 3, 451-464

Abstract: Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex mood disorder among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Internalized stigma refers to the awareness of negative stereotypes adopted by society and the agreement with these judgments, often associated with impaired functionality and social adaptation. Studies examining internalized stigma and related factors in BD are limited. Aims: Our study aimed to evaluate the associations between internalized stigma and sociodemographic, marital, and clinical characteristics of individuals with BD. Method: One hundred and eighteen individuals with BD followed up at a specialized affective disorders unit were included. Participants’ data were collected via follow-up documents and clinical interviews. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS) was administered to assess internalized stigma. Results: The mean ISMIS total score was 56.50. Being unemployed ( p  = .012, B  = 0.208), shorter BD duration ( p  

Keywords: mood disorders; self stigma; perceived discrimination; stigma resistance; stereotype; marital characteristics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:72:y:2026:i:3:p:451-464

DOI: 10.1177/00207640251366717

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