Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness, Coping Styles and Perceived Stress of Caregivers of People Diagnosed with Psychiatric Illness

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the level of perceived stress, internalized stigma, and coping styles among caregivers of patients diagnosed with psychiatric illness. A total of 160 adult participants from eight hospitals in Lahore were selected via convenience sampling. Following informed consent, participants were asked to fill a questionnaire consisting of the Urdu versions of the Internalized Stigma Scale (Ritsher et al., 2003), Coping Styles Scale (Zaman, 2015), and Perceived Stress Scale (Chan, 2013). Regression analysis was employed to predict the impact of internalized stigma and problem-focused coping styles on perceived stress among caregivers of psychiatric patients. The results indicated moderate levels of perceived stress and a significant positive relationship between stigma and stress, as well as a negative relationship between problem-focused coping styles and perceived stress. These results indicate an unrecognized need among caregivers of those with psychiatric illness.