The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological resilience in bipolar disorder

Introduction

Internalized stigma is known to be high in bipolar disorder (BD). Concepts such as self-compassion and psychological resilience have recently begun to be studied as protective factors for BD. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationships between internalized stigma, self-compassion and resilience among individuals with BD.

Method

One hundred and thirty-two male and female (18-65 years of age) participants with a DSM 5 diagnosis of BD (BD- I & BD- II) were included. The remission criteria (YMRS< 5 and HDRS< 7) was evaluated using clinician-administered measures and all participants were found to be remitted. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed. Participants completed the Internalized Stigma in Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA).

Results

Significant correlations were found between internalized stigma, sub-dimensions of self-compassion (self-kindness, self-judgement, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification), and resilience in the expected directions like negative correlations between internalized stigma and positive dimensions of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness). Self-judgement and self-kindness mediated the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological resilience.

Conclusions

The findings of the study shed light on which dimensions of self-compassion might be more beneficial to work with in order to increase resilience when working with internalized stigma in BD. This strengths-based investigation would be valuable to enrich psycho-social interventions for the prevention of relapse in BD.