Self-Destigmatization Process? Experiences of Persons Living with Bipolar Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Community Ment Health J. 2020 Aug;56(6):1160-1169. doi: 10.1007/s10597-020-00614-7. Epub 2020 Apr 7.

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated subjective experiences of self-stigmatization and self-destigmatization among people living with bipolar disorder (BD). We conducted in-depth interviews focusing on self-stigmatization and self-destigmatization with 22 individuals living with BD. The interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using a mixed inductive and deductive approach. Thirty-six codes were extracted and organized into six themes: language, behaviors, relationships, personal experience, identity, and healthcare. Each theme was characterized by an evolution process, and the codes were distributed in a step-by-step order as landmarks. The process begins with the experience of self-stigmatization, and develops toward self-destigmatization. This study presents a new six-dimension process called the "self-destigmatization process" (SDP), a personal and interrelational process that deconstructs self-stigmatization. Clinicians can use the landmarks of the process for clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions to increase recovery orientation.

MeSH terms

  • Bipolar Disorder*
  • Humans
  • Qualitative Research
  • Stereotyping