Effects of group identification and stigma resistance on affiliate stigma and empowerment among families of people with mental illness

ABSTRACTTo explore effective overcoming strategies for the social stigma experienced by families of persons with mental illness (PWMI), this study examined the impact of group identification on affiliate stigma and empowerment, mediated by stigma resistance. The participants comprised 227 family members of PWMI who utilised services provided by community-based organisations in Korea. The finding of the study showed that sociodemographic factors, particularly education level, had a significant impact on empowerment. In addition, group identification was positively associated with stigma resistance. Furthermore, higher stigma resistance was associated with significantly lower levels of affiliate stigma and higher levels of empowerment. Moreover, group identification significantly indirectly affects affiliate stigma and empowerment by stigma resistance. These findings highlight the importance of social bonds and support in combating stigma, suggesting that active engagement in group-based advocacy and support groups can enhance empowerment for families of PWMI.KEYWORDS: Affiliate stigmastigma resistancegroup identificationempowermentthe family of people with mental illness Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThe work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea [NRF-2021S1A5A2A03061931].Notes on contributorsMikyung SeoMiKyung Seo, Professor, She is a Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea. She also serves as a Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Social Development. She focused on paratical and research in the field of mental health social work for a long time. Her research interests include human rights of mental illness and social stigma.Minhwa LeeMinHwa Lee, Assistant Professor, She is a Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Mokpo National University, Muan, Republic of Korea. Lee’s research theme is mental health, community integration, and stigma. Her research areas include anti-stigma strategies for the stigma against people with mental illness.Jinhyang LeeJinHyang Lee, Assistant Professor, She is a Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Changshin University, Changwon, Republic of Korea. Her research interest includes human rights, recovery, and social capital for people with mental illness.