Internalized stigma of mental disorders comes from a process of internalization of prejudices and stereotypes against people with mental disorders. Those are usually negative perceptions which present people with mental disorders as uncapable, dangerous, frightening, dependent, childish, unreliable, etc. Internalizing such beliefs often leads to problems in different areas of life and overall lowers an individual's quality of life. The aim of the presented research was to study the relationship between romantic relationships and the internalized stigma of mental
disorders. We were especially interested in the role of self-respect. Additionally, we also studied some demographic characteristics that correlated with internalized stigma. 45 people participated in the study. Some had a diagnosed mental disorder, while others reported having difficulties with mental health but did not have a specific diagnosis. Data was collected using the Internalized stigma of mental illness scale (ISMI), Couples satisfaction index (CSI-32),
General health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES). Older participants reported statistically higher levels of internalized stigma compared to younger participants. There were no statistically significant differences between genders. Employed
participants showed higher levels of stereotype endorsement and reported on more experiences of discrimination against them than students. The participants who had a diagnosed mental disorder scored higher on the discrimination experience scale and alienation scale than those without a diagnosis. Participants with chronic mental health problems showed higher levels of internalized stigma than those with episodic problems. Correlations between the internalized stigma of mental disorder, self-esteem and relationship
satisfaction are both negative and statistically significant. For future research, we recommend studying the relationship between internalized stigma and relationship satisfaction with the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. It is crucial to investigate the position of a mental disorder diagnosis in an individual's identity and explore what kind of meaning it holds for them.
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