Examining the Influence of Mental Health on Self-Stigma in a Mexican Prison

Abstract

Abstract Prisons in Mexico, like other countries, struggle to house and effectively treat individuals with mental illness. This study on 194 male Mexican prisoners managing mental disorders aims to 1) explore what mental health symptomology is associated with self-stigma and 2) identify what mental health symptomology predicts increased self-stigma. Results found that depression, mania, and anger significantly predicted harm to self-esteem scores, and education and mania significantly predicted agreement and application subscales. Given the increased number of imprisoned individuals with mental illness in Mexico and minimal treatment available, these findings support the importance of implementing self-stigma interventions within prisons.